The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been the defensive powerhouse that many expected them to be this year. Despite adding big names like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay, while also retaining their current stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. In short, this defense should have been elite.
Through two games, this unit has been the opposite.
While the defense as a whole has been a bitter disappointment, there has been a lone bright spot. This young rookie has already established himself as a good role player, and while his play hasn’t been perfect, he certainly looks the part as a potential starter.
The best part? He wasn’t even one of the Steelers' top draft picks. Yahya Black looks like an early steal from the draft, and he could be on his way to developing as a cornerstone defender.
Yahya Black could become the next cornerstone defender for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Through the first two games of the season, Black has found a niche role on defense. He has played fifty percent of the defensive snaps. For a fifth-round pick that was viewed as a raw, on-trick pony, this is a great look.
No, the stats haven’t been there, but that hasn’t stopped him from looking the part on tape. He has regularly used his strength to get into the backfield and disrupt plays.
Of course, there is a lot of room to grow. Black plays too tall right now, and he kind of looks like a bull in a China shop at times. He hasn’t been able to finish plays yet either.
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Those are all traits that can be improved upon as a pro, though. The fact that he already looks like he belongs so early in his career is impressive. It speaks volumes about what type of role he can eventually have.
Right now, he has played mostly as a defensive end. Most figured he would play nose tackle, and considering how Keanu Benton has struggled, he could quickly command snaps there.
Long-term, it seems like he could become a starter at either spot. If he can use his size to his advantage, he could become a real force. Pair that with the potential of Derrick Harmon, and this could be the face of the new Steelers defensive line for the future.
Black has excelled so far in his career despite only being a fifth-round pick. He looks like a great find on day three, and knowing he has the chops to play this early could lead to a dangerous rotation forming once Harmon is back from injury.