The buzz around the 2025 NFL Draft often centers on those eye-popping combine numbers, the 40-yard dash times that can define a prospect's trajectory. But sometimes, the real story lies in the grit, the tape, and the sheer determination of a player like Yahya Black.
The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly saw something special when they picked the Iowa defensive end in the fifth round, 164th overall. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar was effusive, calling Black a "big, physical young man" and expressing excitement about what he brings to the table, especially at that stage of the draft. It’s clear the Steelers are building for dominance up front, and Black is a key piece of that puzzle, joining first-round pick Derrick Harmon.
Dunbar's philosophy is straightforward: "We need to be more dominant up front... I think the way you get dominant up front is to get youth." He emphasizes competition, the idea that players have to earn their spot and their opportunities. "If you want to eat, go take your food," he stated, a sentiment that Black seems to embrace.
Black's college production speaks for itself. He started all 13 games in 2024, racking up 34 tackles, including seven for a loss and a sack. He also showed his versatility with two passes defensed, two quarterback pressures, and even a blocked field goal. The year before, in 2023, he was a constant presence, starting all 14 games, recording 51 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also added five passes defensed and a forced fumble, demonstrating a well-rounded game.
But it wasn't just his on-field performance that impressed the Steelers. Black's pre-draft visit to Pittsburgh left a lasting impression. He described the city as "pretty" upon arrival, particularly the iconic tunnel entrance. More than the scenery, though, it was the mindset of the people that resonated with him. "Everybody in that city and around there has such a great mindset. It takes me back to my days at Iowa. Hard-nosed, tough and they are doing the right thing," he shared. That connection, that feeling of belonging, is something special, and it's clear he felt the "love" from Pittsburgh in return.
While the 40-yard dash time might not be the headline for Yahya Black, his impact on the field, his physical presence, and his connection to the Steelers' tough, blue-collar ethos are what truly define his arrival in Pittsburgh. He's ready to play wherever he's needed, learn from the group, and contribute to that desired dominance up front. The black and gold, it seems, are a good fit.
