Former Iowa and current Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Yahya Black is not what you would call a small man. The six-foot-five, 336-pound lineman used his size and strength to plug up running lanes at Iowa, and drew the attention of scouts in Pittsburgh.
After a disappointing end to the season for the Steelers last year, the organization wanted to address the shortcomings they displayed on defense down the stretch.
The tipping point came in the playoffs last season when the Baltimore Ravens eliminated them in the AFC Wild Card game. The Ravens ran all over the Steelers, racking up 299 total rushing yards, en route to a 28-14 victory.
Black was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL raft to help address the Steelers' concerns in the running game.
He played primarily at defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes, but with his size and athleticism, the Steelers like his versatility to play in multiple positions on the line.
Black's work ethic and hustle have been on display at the Steelers' training camp, so much so that he received high praise from Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin made an appearance on "Movin' the Chains" on SiriusXM and praised the former Hawkeyes' maturity, work ethic, and physical tools.
Tomlin also stated he has been "really impressed with his ability and his mindset regarding hustle."
What Tomlin said about Black has echoed his sentiments about wanting his big men to be able to hustle and finish plays, and he stressed that again during his "Movin' the Chains" appearance.
Black is listed as the No. 3 nose tackle on the initial depth chart for 2025, but he should see plenty of opportunities to make an impact all across the line.
Yahya's roster spot is not guaranteed, but his performance at training camp, along with the praise from Tomlin and the coaching staff, is a good sign ahead of his rookie campaign.