Steelers May Be Setting Up Rookie Yahya Black for Failure With Misguided Positioning

Drafting two defensive linemen in Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black was a smart move by the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially given the strength and depth of this year’s class. However, early signs suggest the team might already be mishandling Black’s development.

While Harmon is a natural fit at defensive end, Black’s skill set tells a different story. Despite his long frame, he performed best in college as a nose tackle, and his play noticeably declined the further he moved from the center. Yet, the Steelers appear determined to deploy him as a base end — a role that doesn’t play to his strengths.

Pittsburgh’s well-known obsession with positional versatility often works against young players who need time to specialize and develop. For a fifth-round pick like Black, being forced into an ill-fitting role could significantly hamper his chances of making the final roster.

Black excels at run defense and is best suited to clogging the middle and freeing up teammates to make plays — a throwback type of player with a clear, albeit limited, role. While experimenting with him at end in practice is understandable, making it his primary position could prove detrimental.

If the Steelers continue down this path, it may not only jeopardize Black’s future with the team but also mark an early misstep in what could otherwise be a strong draft class.