Steelers' "Joe Greene Is Smiling" As Rookie Yahya Black Inspires Pundits With Tremendous Play

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted a big-bodied defensive project in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected Yahya Black. The Iowa prospect comes to Pittsburgh with plenty of hype, and fans were eager to see how his game would translate to the NFL. Initially, there was uncertainty surrounding Black, as many knew he had been a star at the collegiate level but also recognized that he fell to the fifth round for a reason because NFL evaluators had overlooked his potential. The Steelers, however, clearly saw something special and were willing to take a chance on him late in the draft.

Early signs from training camp suggested that Black could quickly make an impact, and now, with three preseason games in the books, fans have plenty of tape to analyze. His combination of size, athleticism, and effort has drawn attention, and it is becoming clear why Pittsburgh was confident in selecting him. Observers have noted his ability to collapse the pocket, disrupt offensive lines, and make plays that go beyond basic stats. Black’s development so far indicates that the Steelers may have uncovered a gem in the later rounds.

NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, who knows defensive line play better than almost anyone, had glowing praise for Black following Pittsburgh’s Thursday night game against the Carolina Panthers. Baldinger highlighted Black’s ability to set the edge, his relentless motor, and the way he creates opportunities for teammates around him. 

"I woke up this morning and I said, 'I need a six pack of Iron City, a six pack of Yahya Black playing football,'" Baldinger said while breaking down Black’s final preseason performance against the Panthers. "Look at him hold the point, strong at the point and then when he gets the ball carrier, they always go backwards."

When the Steelers drafted Black in the fifth round, few expected to hear his name in the same sentence as the legendary Mean Joe Greene. 

However, that is exactly what Baldinger did when reviewing his game tape against the Panthers. Black has quickly started to turn heads and inspire confidence among fans and the Steelers’ brass.

"Like the cocked nose is coming back," Baldinger said. "Joe Greene is smiling. He’s like that is how you play football in Pittsburgh. Look at the center, he has no chance… They always go backwards. Like he is knocking them back."

The early reports suggest that Black is not only meeting expectations, but potentially exceeding them, giving Steelers fans real reason for optimism about his role on the defense in 2025 and beyond.

Steelers Got Big Scare During Panthers' Preseason Finale

The Steelers defense gave up a lot of rushing yards against some high-powered offenses last season. Those performances stuck with the team, and this offseason they clearly invested to improve their defensive line. They addressed it by selecting Derrick Harmon in the first round of the draft and then adding Black a few rounds later. 

On Thursday night, Steeler Nation got a big scare as Harmon was carted off the field, crying with a towel over his head. An hour later, he was seen smiling on the sideline in street clothes, and the Steelers appeared to have dodged a bullet. Harmon suffered a knee sprain, but it was initially feared to be much worse.

It remains to be seen how large of a role Black will have in his rookie season. However, if the reports from pundits are any indication, his stock continues to rise. Early tape and analysis suggest that he has the potential to make an immediate impact and become a key contributor on Pittsburgh’s defensive front.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about the way Black has played in the preseason? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation