The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a proactive step to strengthen their run defense by selecting Iowa defensive tackle Yahya Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The pick comes in response to the increased ground-game threat posed by star running back Derrick Henry, who joined division rival Baltimore Ravens last offseason. Black, known for his massive 336-pound frame and physical presence, is expected to play a key role in containing high-powered rushing attacks within the AFC North.
In a recent interview on 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly emphasized that Black’s size and skill set make him ideal for matchups against teams like Baltimore. “Plug it up,” Kaboly said, referring to Black’s ability to fill gaps against the run. “That’s a guy that is specific to game plans, and he’ll probably play five snaps one game and 35 the next game eventually.” Black’s usage will likely be situational, particularly in games where stopping the run is critical.
During his college career at Iowa, Black appeared in 54 games and recorded 116 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His performance earned him Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors in both 2023 and 2024. In addition to his tackling ability, he showed skill in disrupting passing lanes, deflecting 11 passes at the line of scrimmage. His size and experience make him a natural fit for the Steelers’ defensive philosophy.
Steelers defensive line coach Karl Dunbar noted that Black would initially compete for the three- or four-technique spot but emphasized that strong performance could quickly earn him more playing time. With Derrick Henry having rushed for over 1,900 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, the Steelers are clearly focused on bringing in reinforcements capable of withstanding such dominant ground games.
Black’s addition reflects the Steelers’ ongoing commitment to a strong defensive identity. While he may not be a full-time starter right away, his size, strength, and situational value give Pittsburgh a new tool to counteract power runners like Henry. With further development, Yahya Black could become a reliable part of the Steelers’ defensive rotation in high-stakes AFC North matchups.
