The Pittsburgh Steelers' second preseason game of 2025 is in the books, and the 53-man roster outlook is already becoming increasingly clear. While difficult decisions will be made on both sides of the ball, the Steelers should already know exactly what they're doing along the interior defensive line, thanks to rookie Yahya Black.
Following a notable first training camp, the 2025 fifth-round pick has already locked up a roster spot after two exhibition games. Black has routinely put his impressive size and strength on full display. Though his second preseason game against the Buccaneers was quieter than his first against the Jaguars, the Steelers have every reason to get the big man involved early and often.
Black was so impressive in his preseason debut against Jacksonville that he even caught the eye of national media analysts. Brian Baldinger posted a 'Badly's Breakdown' of Black wreaking havoc on just 10 defensive snaps before being pulled from the game for a job well done.
With Black's roster spot already secure, the Steelers will have to cut back elsewhere along the interior defensive line. The top three players—Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, and Derrick Harmon—are already penciled in, and Black could prove to be fourth in line at some point during his rookie season.
Black should carve out a rotation as a backup 3-4 defensive end, as he's capable of playing anything from 0-technique to 5-technique. Alongside him on the second-string defensive line will be veteran Daniel Ekuale. This could leave room for just one more player at the position... and a former draft pick could already be primed for his final preseason game with the team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could cut Isaiahh Loudermilk to make room for rookie DL Yahya Black
We had a good feeling that when the Pittsburgh Steelers doubled up on the interior defensive line, a veteran would be forced out. Now that we feel confident, Yahya Black's job is secure, and Isaiahh Loudermilk could be finished with the team.
Loudermilk was a former Kevin Colbert draft pick in 2021 who hasn't showcased much improvement over the years. Though he had height on his side, the Wisconsin product struggled to play with elite power and offers almost nothing as a pass rusher.
Black and Loudermilk play the same position as base 3-4 defensive ends, and it's overkill to keep both players on the roster. The decision should be an easy one: Black is younger, bigger, stronger, and likely offers more juice getting after the quarterback.
While there's still an avenue for Loudermilk to make the team, I would expect the Steelers would give the final defensive lineman spot to 2024 sixth-round rookie Logan Lee. Black and Lee played together on Iowa's defensive line, while Lee is younger and more athletic than Loudermilk, presumably with more upside.
Loudermilk is in his fifth season, and he has just one sack and one tackle for a loss to his name in 58 games. The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to end this experiment and move forward with rookie Yahya Black.