The Pittsburgh Steelers fell in love with the Iowa program during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers' organization selected two Hawkeyes in the draft and signed one via an undrafted free agent contract.
Former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (third round, No. 83) and defensive lineman Yahya Black (round five, No. 164) were drafted by the Steelers.
Defensive back Sebastian Castro was signed to a undrafted free agent contract.
As a fifth-round pick, there are no guarantees that Black will make the roster, and he began the preseason as the No. 3 nose tackle on the depth chart.
Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin does not put much stock in preseason depth charts, and if he did not have to release one, he probably would not.
As the preseason and training camp has progressed, Black has impressed the Steelers' staff, and received praise from Tomlin.
Tomlin does not throw compliments around lightly, but stated he was impressed with Black's ability and mindset regarding hustle.
During the Steelers' final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, Black showcased why he has been receiving praise from the coaching staff.
2️⃣ sacks for the rook last night 🙌 @Yblack74 pic.twitter.com/J1yqVdTxBw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 22, 2025
Black was a menace to the Panthers' quarterbacks, racking up two sacks and two tackles for loss on the night. Overall, Black accumulated five total tackles (three solo, two assisted).
His five total tackles were tied for No. 2 overall on the Steelers' defense, and he led the team in sacks.
Black showed what he can do when he gets the snaps, and even though he is listed as No. 3 on the depth chart, his size and running-stopping ability allow him to play multiple positions.
Black continues to climb the depth chart, and after Derrick Harmon went down with an injury, Black has a good chance to make the roster and get some playing time.