### Pittsburgh Steelers Strengthen Defense with Yahya Black: A Promising Addition The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting defensive tackle Yahya Black from the University of Iowa with the 164th overall pick in the fifth round. Black, a formidable player at 6'5" and 336 pounds, is expected to enhance the Steelers' defensive lineup significantly. His selection aligns with the team's commitment to bolstering their defense, especially following the earlier pick of Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round. Coach Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in Black's potential, likening his size and strength to that of a heavy-duty truck, which could pose a significant threat to opposing offenses if developed correctly [https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/what-pittsburgh-steelers-getting-yahya-black][https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/steelers_yahya_black_gets_impressive_comparison_from_mike_tomlin/s1_17101_42115484]. ### Breakdown of the Steelers' Draft Strategy and Yahya Black's Profile 1. **Draft Context**: - The Steelers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear focus on enhancing their defensive capabilities. - Black was selected in the fifth round, indicating a strategic choice to add depth to the defensive line after acquiring additional picks through a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/arena-nfl/si-pittsburgh-steelers-nfl/6b5e02ba/steelers-select-massive-iowa-dt-in-nfl-draft]. 2. **Player Profile**: - Yahya Black is noted for his impressive physical attributes, standing at 6'5" and weighing 336 pounds. - His size and strength are expected to be significant assets in the Steelers' defensive scheme, potentially allowing him to disrupt opposing offenses effectively [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/pittsburgh-steelers-pass-nfl-draft-134527331.html]. 3. **Coaching Insights**: - Coach Mike Tomlin has praised Black's potential, emphasizing his physicality and likening him to an F-350 truck, which underscores the expectations for his impact on the field [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/steelers_yahya_black_gets_impressive_comparison_from_mike_tomlin/s1_17101_42115484]. ### Supporting Evidence and Expert Opinions - **Draft Grades**: Experts have generally graded the Steelers' selection of Black positively, noting his potential to develop into a key player on the defensive line. The consensus is that while he is a late-round pick, his physical attributes and collegiate performance at Iowa make him a valuable addition [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/news/yahya-black-nfl-draft-grades-experts-steelers-fifth-round-pick/3f2537da0adfd602244cd558]. - **Comparative Analysis**: Black's selection follows the Steelers' earlier choice of Derrick Harmon, indicating a focused strategy on fortifying the defensive line. This dual approach in the draft reflects a commitment to improving the team's overall defensive strength [https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2025/04/pittsburgh-steelers-select-iowa-dt-yahya-black-in-fifth-round-of-nfl-draft.html]. ### Conclusion: Yahya Black's Potential Impact on the Steelers' Defense In summary, the Pittsburgh Steelers' selection of Yahya Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft represents a calculated effort to enhance their defensive capabilities. 1. **Strategic Selection**: The choice of Black aligns with the team's broader goal of strengthening their defense, particularly after acquiring Derrick Harmon earlier in the draft. 2. **Physical Attributes**: Black's impressive size and strength are expected to make him a formidable presence on the field, with potential for significant development under the guidance of experienced teammates. 3. **Positive Outlook**: Expert opinions on Black's selection have been favorable, suggesting that he could become a key player in the Steelers' defensive lineup. Overall, the Steelers' draft strategy appears to be on track, with Yahya Black poised to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming season [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/grading-steelers-selection-yahya-black-013454038.html][https://sports.yahoo.com/article/steelers-select-dt-yahya-black-194119395.html].