The Pittsburgh Steelers are excited about many parts of their 2025 rookie class. Even though first-round pick Derrick Harmon is currently injured and will likely miss at least Week 1, there are still plenty of players coming in that can make the team better right now. Some of them will be heavily relied on, like running back Kaleb Johnson. For a run-first offense with an aging quarterback, they need all the production they can get from the running back position, including the rookie. He's not the only one that will be relied on a ton, however.
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Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black will see a lot of reps early on, especially with Harmon's injury. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke with Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, and he detailed his expectations for his fifth-round pick in the future.
"We like Yahya's progress," Austin said. "He is not a little man. When he really learns how to use all the tools at his disposal, he’s going to be a load inside."
Black has quickly become a fan favorite during the preseason, and now he will get his chance to show off everything he has learned once Week 1 kicks off. He has shown plenty of upside so far, and many people believe that he could even be the steal of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been nothing but impressive during his first ever training camp and preseason in Western Pennsylvania.
Of course, one great summer does not define who a player is. As Austin said, there is still a lot for Black to work on and master. With all the first-team reps he is about to likely take, it may not be too long until he learns how to use more of his tools. While it was not the original plan, it will be a baptism by fire for the former fifth-round pick. He may just be a Day 3 pick, but now is still a good time for him to learn as much as he possibly can.
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Steelers defensive lineman Yahya Black (78) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Black was originally drafted to be a pure run-stuffer to stop the team from getting embarrassed like they did in the Wild Card Round in the 2024 season. His massive frame and great tape from his time with the defensive powerhouse known as the Iowa Hawkeyes made that a slam dunk pick and decision, especially that late in the draft where Pittsburgh thought he would already be gone by then.
During the preseason, he showed plenty of ability in the pass rush as well, as numerous analysts absolutely loved the tape that he put on. Clearly, there is some upside for him in that category, as he racked up a pair of sacks in the Preseason Week 3 game against the Carolina Panthers. If he can continue to build himself up in both the run game and the pass game, he will be yet another elite lineman drafted by the Steelers.
Steelers' Nose Tackle Could Lose Snaps To Black Soon
If Black continues to impress his coaches during the regular season, it will be hard for them to keep him off the field, even when Harmon returns from injury. That could lead to the rookie seeing some time as a zero-tech and kicking Keeanu Benton to the bench. Benton has had his own struggles with stagnation in 2024. If that keeps up, there will likely be two rookies on the field at the same time in base 3-4 defense.
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Steelers defensive lineman Keeanu Benton (95) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Of course, Black still has yet to play in a meaningful game. All of this depends on if he can take his amazing July and August and translate that into production in the regular season. As Austin said, he still has a lot to learn, even with the great progress he has made. As long as he keeps it up, there is no reason to not believe he will be a Steeler for
What do you think about Austin's assessment of Black? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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