this Pittsburgh Steelers I believe their 2025 NFL draft is very successful. While it’s always difficult to evaluate draft classes before anyone plays the regular season, the early response is encouraging. Several NFL analysts rated the Steelers’ draft above average, praising the team for how they meet key needs and adding depth to both sides of the ball.
USA Today Sports
Former Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon during the 2025 NFL scouting combine.
Pittsburgh focused on the defensive line early on, choose Derrick Harmon Inside the first round anchor. In the fifth round, Steeler continued to build in the trenches by drafting a nose tackle Yahya Black come out Iowa. Although not a household name, Black stands out for his figure, strength and upward space, making him a worthy player to watch in training camp and preseason.
Steelers Insider's report Ray Fittipaldo On Thursday, fans will be given more reasons for optimism. Fittipaldo revealed that several Steelers coaches believe Black could be the biggest steal in the entire 2025 NFL draft. The level of confidence from within the organization is important, especially for fifth-round picks and suggests that the team sees Black's main potential in the future.
According to Fittipaldo, “Coach Steelers is starting to think that the nose tackle is one of the biggest steals in the entire NFL draft.” “The Black is the fifth-round pick.”
The extreme compliments from the Steelers coaching staff undoubtedly attracted the attention of fans and analysts. While it’s not uncommon for the team to express optimism about their draft picks, describing Black as the biggest steal in the 2025 NFL draft is a bold statement, especially for the fifth-round pick. This shows that the Steelers believe Black has tools that far exceed the ones that their draft position suggests, and that he has turned his head in the facility.
Iowa Gazette
Yahya Black of the Steelers during her time at the University of Iowa.
Black played college football for the Hawkeyes and was not considered a top prospect in the pre-draft process. He did not get a lot of national media attention, nor was he expected in the early days. But the team that looked closely at his film saw a rare combination of size, strength and athleticism of a player.
Black is a huge presence in the middle of the defensive line at 6'5 inches and 300 pounds, and his ability to occupy blockers and play-breaking makes him a valuable asset to Hawkeye. His original physical tools, coupled with his willingness to do dirty work in the tide, were sought by the Iron Man in the nose nails.
The Steelers have long valued rear wheel defensive informants, and they bring resilience and potential. In fact, their history of developing rear wheels and undrafted defensive players into major contributors is one of the hallmarks. Black looks perfectly suited to the mold. If he can quickly take over the Steelers’ systems and continue to show growth throughout training camp and preseason, it’s no surprise to see him win a spin snapshot of the rookie.
Steelers' defensive line may have 2 rookies winning key game time
Pittsburgh's defensive line already includes CAM HEYWARD And the talent of young people Keeanu Bentonbut people like black people have room to play roles. The Steelers have made it clear that they want to be more physically in 2025, and strengthening the defensive line is at the heart of the program.
Jordan Schofield/Steelernation (x:@jsko_photo)
Steelers' Cam Heyward worked with Keeanu Benton during the offseason.
If Black proves as destructive as the coach thinks, then he might not only be a roster, but a special player. Harmon will start with the rookie, and Black can carve some key time in the defensive rotation.
Only time can tell the true success of the class, but early signs are promising. If Black lives up to the Steelers’ belief in him, Pittsburgh may have canceled one of the most valuable picks in the entire draft. At least it's exciting now Steele Country Listen to news that the coaching team is impressed by black people.