What Steelers Are Getting in Yahya Black

A lot of Black’s appeal comes from his physical traits and the way he approaches his job.

At the Senior Bowl, Black proved capable of anchoring the fight against double teams. Make no mistake, the Minnesota product can and consistently will hold the point of attack, consistently generating space for linebackers to clean up plays. Don't be surprised if he quickly becomes popular among front-seven teammates.

While he wasn’t the fastest tester at the NFL Combine, what matters most is how consistently interior defenders uses his size, strength, and leverage to win battles in the trenches.

Beyond the physical tools, Black brings leadership and maturity to the locker room. Coaches at Iowa praised his work ethic and football IQ, and he often served as a mentor for younger teammates. That kind of character and football smarts should fit perfectly into the Steelers’ no-nonsense culture.

Right now, Black projects as a rotational piece who can help plug gaps on early downs and in short-yardage situations. With development — and under the guidance of Pittsburgh’s strong defensive coaching staff — he could eventually grow into a more significant role.

It might not have been the flashiest pick of the day, but it’s the kind of move that wins games in December and January — the Steelers just got tougher up front.