Iowa Hawkeyes defensive tackle Yahya Black is joining his college teammate Kaleb Johnson in Pittsburgh, as the Steelers selected Black in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. Johnson had already been picked by the team in the third round the night before.
Though Black didn’t turn heads at the NFL Scouting Combine, his draft stock surged late thanks to his potential and strong senior season. At 6-foot-5 and 317 pounds, he posted 34 tackles, seven for loss, and one sack in 2024, anchoring a tough Iowa run defense. His breakout, though, came in 2023, when he recorded 51 tackles, 5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks, gaining NFL attention.
He now joins a Steelers squad known for its strong defensive tradition and consistency—Pittsburgh hasn’t had a losing season since 2003 and made the playoffs last year with 10 wins. With the Steelers running a 3-4 defense, Black projects as a natural fit at nose tackle. The current starter, Keeanu Benton, has struggled against the run, possibly giving Black an early opportunity to carve out playing time.
For both Johnson and Black, Pittsburgh offers a stable, playoff-caliber environment and a chance to contribute right away.
Want a breakdown of how they might fit into the Steelers’ depth chart next season?
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