The Pittsburgh Steelers underwent massive coaching changes during the 2026 offseason. One of those chances was replacing defensive coordinator Teryl Austin with Patrick Graham. This DC swap could signal significant changes on defense.
While Pittsburgh still intends to run a 3-4 defense, it doesn't appear that every player on the defensive line will retain the same roles they held last year. One of those players is second-year defensive lineman Yahya Black.
Steelers fans questioned Austin and former head coach Mike Tomlin for playing Black as a 3-4 defensive end last year. At 6'5 3/4''' and 336 pounds with anchoring strength but limited mobility, Black seemed ideally suited for the nose position.
And he could find himself in a new role this year.
Following a Steelers OTA session, new defensive line coach Domata Peko was adamant that he viewed Black as a nose tackle—not a defensive end. Peko went as far as to say that he believes Black could be one of the best noses in the league, per the Post-Gazette.
"I feel like [Yahya] Black could be one of the best nose [tackles] in the game if he keeps doing what he's been doing, and that's working his butt off. [He's] really good on his technique and his details. I just want to sharpen him up and get him really going and to bring out the best in him."
Yahya Black could have a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers after huge role change
Assuming this is the case—and it certainly seems like we can take Peko at his word—Steelers fans should be optimistic about what Yahya Black could offer in Year 2. Black's weaknesses were on display last year when asked to defend the run with lateral movement skills. Because of his size and frame, it only makes sense that he'll have some physical limitations.
But nose tackle is where Black can thrive.
Black's height, weight, and arm length (35 inches) are each in the 94th percentile among all defensive linemen who measured in at the NFL Combine since 1999, per Mockdraftable. He carries his weight well, and somehow, he has even more room to grow.
While Black was inconsistent as a run defender, he showed flashes of stacking and shedding blocks and dominating his man at the line of scrimmage. It stands to reason that this could occur with more frequency if he's playing in the right position.
As a nose tackle, Black won't rely heavily on lateral movement to aid him in the running game. Rather, his niche will be holding up at the point of attack in the middle of the trenches—something he should only continue to get better at as his career marches on.
The positional switch may also free up a player like Keeanu Benton to take on a redefined role. Tomlin and Austin have been playing Benton out of position as a 3-4 nose tackle since being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Benton's best trait is his agility as a big man to knife into the backfield, thanks to an impressive club-rip move and solid hip flexibility. If the Steelers essentially swap Black and Benton positions, it could be beneficial to both players (and the D-line as a whole).
I don't know if I'm ready to side with Peko and claim that Yahya Black could be one of the best nose tackles in the NFL, but this is a change Pittsburgh Steelers fans should love.
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