Yahya Black’s impressive preseason performance for the Pittsburgh Steelers is turning heads nationwide, overshadowing even the team’s first-round pick.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves to bolster their defensive line with rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black. While Harmon was the higher-profile selection being a first-round pick, Black is quickly proving he belongs in the spotlight. Pro Football Focus recently named Black to their 2025 Preseason All-Rookie Team, highlighting his outstanding play on the interior defensive line. Black’s disruptive preseason display earned him an impressive 86.8 overall PFF grade, showcasing his impact on the field.
Remaining loyal to the black and gold colors from his college days at Iowa, Black showcased his prowess by making six stops and securing a 78.9 PFF grade in pass rushing. Notably, two of Black’s three pressures resulted in sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Throughout three preseason games, Black consistently impressed with PFF grades of 86.8, 80.7, and 78.9 in overall performance, run defense, and pass rushing, respectively.
In addition to his strong grades, Black recorded two sacks, three pressures, and four tackles during the preseason. However, it was his standout performance in Preseason Week 3 that truly solidified his status as a rising star. Black delivered exceptional grades of 91.9 overall and 90.4 in pass rushing, showcasing his prowess on the field by clinching both of his sacks in that game.