Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 NFL Draft Strategy: Securing Defensive Line Value
The Pittsburgh Steelers prioritized trench reinforcements in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (Round 1) and Iowa nose tackle Yahya Black (Round 5) to bolster their defensive front. Team officials reportedly consider Black the draft’s biggest steal due to his rare size-strength profile (6’5″, 300+ lbs) and run-stuffing potential. This aligns with Pittsburgh’s historical success developing late-round defensive linemen like current starter Keeanu Benton. Early analyst grades praise the organization for addressing critical needs while maintaining their trademark physical identity.
What This Means for Steelers Fans & Fantasy Managers
- Immediate Depth Chart Impact: Monitor training camp reports on Black’s technique development; his ability to absorb double teams could earn rotational snaps by Week 1.
- IDP Fantasy Value Watch: Harmon projects as a weekly DT2/DT3 option in tackle-heavy formats, while Black’s tackle-for-loss upside makes him a dynasty stash.
- Team Philosophy Shift: Pittsburgh’s investment in early-down run defenders signals a commitment to controlling game tempo – prioritize Steelers D/ST in matchups against run-heavy divisions (AFC North, NFC South).
- Future Cap Planning: The cost-controlled contracts of Harmon and Black provide financial flexibility for Cam Heyward’s potential 2026 succession plan.
Original Analysis
Despite limited national attention pre-draft, Black’s tape revealed elite two-gap capabilities – Iowa allowed just 3.1 YPC when he was on the field in 2024. Steelers DL coach Karl Dunbar specializes in refining hand techniques for wide-bodied tackles, having developed Javon Hargrave and current starter Keeanu Benton.
“Steelers coaches believe nose tackle Yayha Black is the biggest steal of the entire NFL Draft. His leverage skills at 6’5″ are unprecedented for a Day 3 pick.” – Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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Key Resources for Further Analysis
- Keeanu Benton’s Development Timeline – Context for Black’s potential progression path
- Black’s College Analytics Profile – Advanced metrics on his gap discipline
- Pittsburgh’s 3-4 Defensive Philosophy – How Black fits their run-defense requirements
Key Questions About Pittsburgh’s Draft Strategy
- Q: How soon could Yahya Black contribute?
A: Expect situational run-down snaps early with starter potential by 2026 after refining pass-rush moves. - Q: Why prioritize defensive line over offensive needs?
A> Pittsburgh’s 2024 rankings: 28th in rush defense (4.7 YPC allowed) mandated immediate investments. - Q: How does Black compare to past Steelers DL drafts?
A: His 34″ arm length exceeds Heyward’s rookie measurements, offering unique stack-and-shed potential. - Q: Will Black’s development affect Cam Heyward’s contract?
A: Not immediately – Pittsburgh values rotational depth, but could influence 2026 cap decisions.
Scouting Perspective
“Black’s combine numbers don’t jump out (5.28 40-yard dash), but his game film shows rare upper-body power. His ability to reset the line of scrimmage against double teams is exactly what Dick LeBeau’s old defense required from Casey Hampton. If he develops a swim move, Pittsburgh found a decade-long starter at pick 165.” – AFC North Regional Scout
Key Terminology for Further Research
- Steelers 2025 draft class defensive line strategy
- Yahya Black vs. Keeanu Benton rookie comparison
- NFL two-gap nose tackle scouting metrics
- Pittsburgh Steelers late-round draft steal history
- Karl Dunbar defensive line development system
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