Steelers' Mike Tomlin Shares Surprising Update On Rookie Everyone's Overlooking

The Pittsburgh Steelers made several moves to improve their defense heading into the 2025 season. Many actually believe this Steelers team could boast the best defense in the NFL. With a strong mix of proven veterans and promising young talent, the defense looks deeper and more physical than it has in years.

Some of the new faces on that defense include rookies, and while most of the attention has gone to second-round pick Derrick Harmon, fifth-round pick Yahya Black is starting to draw serious praise. The Steelers believe they may have found a hidden gem in Black, who has already impressed coaches with his size, effort, and ability to make plays along the defensive line. His quick development has put him firmly on the radar as someone who could contribute early.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Black during an appearance on Movin' the Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio and made it clear that the rookie is catching attention for all the right reasons. Tomlin noted how impressed he has been with Black’s maturity, work ethic, and physical tools, saying he has been a pleasant surprise. With the way he is performing in camp, Black could be one of the Steelers’ most valuable depth pieces in 2025.

"Yahya Black, I've been really impressed by his ability to chase the ball on screens and stuff being 336 pounds," Tomlin said. "Just his mindset regarding hustling is encouraging for a man that big. Part of it is the grocery shopping, but now it's time to cook."

Of course, the quote ended with a classic Tomlinism about cooking, adding his usual touch of humor and personality. Steelers fans are fired up to see what both Black and Harmon can bring to the field in 2025. With the defense already stacked with talent, the emergence of two promising rookies has only added to the excitement in Pittsburgh.

Black is expected to see plenty of opportunities this season. He’s currently listed as the second-string nose tackle, but his versatility gives the coaching staff plenty of options. He has the size and athleticism to move around the defensive line and contribute in multiple spots, making him a valuable piece in the Steelers’ rotation.

Tomlin also emphasized the importance of hustle, particularly for the big men up front. He praised Black’s effort during practice and pointed out how crucial it is for linemen to finish plays and run to the football. That kind of mindset, especially from a rookie, is exactly what the Steelers are looking for as they continue building a defense that could dominate in 2025.

"And our big men have got to be able to hustle," Tomlin said. "Certainly, we've got a desire to acquire big and long people. But the training component of it, the things that we value. We've got to have little guys that hit. We've got to have big men that are willing to hustle and run."

Based on what Tomlin said, it's clear where the focus lies for the Steelers' defense in 2025. Toward the end of the 2024 season, the NFL’s highest-paid defense collapsed in disappointing fashion. When the competition level rose, the unit couldn’t keep up. That all came to a head in a crushing playoff loss to the archrival Baltimore Ravens, who ran for a staggering 299 yards.

Steelers' Defense Expected To Be Elite In 2025

It’s obvious that the way last season ended, especially that game, had a major impact on how the Steelers built their roster this offseason. The front office and coaching staff made it a priority to get tougher, faster, and deeper up front. The recent update on Black only adds to the growing sense of optimism in Pittsburgh. If the Steelers can get a player like Black to outperform his draft position, they’ll be in an even stronger position defensively.

Of course, it’s asking a lot to expect another superhuman season from Cam Heyward, who is now 36 years old. But if anyone can continue to defy expectations, it’s Heyward. He’s proven time and again that he can still play at a high level, and with more support around him, the Steelers are hoping he can anchor a defense that lives up to its potential.

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