Steelers' Yahya Black Continues To Thrive Following Eye-Opening Performance In Jacksonville

The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely have one of the top defensive units in all of football to kickoff the 2025 NFL season. Pittsburgh was credited with one of the top draft classes in the league as well, as the Steelers were able to land Derrick Harmon in the first round, and Kaleb Johnson in the third. Pittsburgh drafted Yahya Black in the fifth round, as Black has continued to turn heads and make a name for himself throughout training camp.

Black, a 6'5", 317 pound defensive lineman out of Iowa, is a promising young talent that may very well thrive throughout his rookie season. Black was a star on the college level as well, as the former Hawkeye played a major role in the program's success during his time there. Black has made his presence known throughout the entire offseason, as the rookie will continue fighting his way towards a significant role throughout the preseason.

Many people were impressed with Black's performance during the first preseason game of the year in Jacksonville, as the rookie was able to showcase his potential on full display against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That included former NFL lineman and current analyst, Brian Baldinger. 

Many people feel as if Black will end up being a top steal of the draft, as Pittsburgh has continued to add young and promising talent to an already lethal defensive unit. Black should benefit from playing with TJ Watt and Cam Heyward as well, as both veterans are expected to be an excellent mentor towards the former Iowa star. Pittsburgh is expected to continue evaluating Black and the rest of the rookie class throughout the preseason, as Black may find himself among the top defensive rookies in the league sooner rather than later.

Steelers' Derrick Harmon Named As A Starter To Begin The Season

With both Harmon and Black set to thrive throughout their rookie seasons, Pittsburgh finds themselves with a promising mix of younger and veteran players on defense. Harmon is expected to begin the season playing with the starters on the first unit, as the rookie has continued to turn heads and play at an elite level throughout training camp. Many feel as if Harmon will be a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, as the former Duck is expected to make a major impact on the Steelers' starting defensive line this season.

Harmon entering the season as a starter is an extremely exciting sight for Steeler Nation to see, as the rookie will look to thrive throughout 2025. Fans should continue to keep a close eye on the entire rookie class throughout the preseason, as the coaching staff is expected to continue evaluating the class for the remainder of the preseason.

With Black set to continue turning heads throughout training camp, many feel as if the rookie could emerge as a top defensive player from his class. The additions of both Harmon and Black may prove to be massive, as both players were nothing short of elite on the college level. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye own Pittsburgh's entire defensive unit throughout the remainder of the preseason, as both Harmon and Black will look to continue playing at an extremely high level.

What do yinz think of Baldinger's breakdown of Black and how he did in his first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars? How will his new paring with Harmon benefit the Steelers and their defensive line in 2025 and beyond? Be sure to leave a comment below, or on our social media platforms!

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