Participant: DL Yahya Black
Inventory Worth: Up
Reasoning: For the reason that Steelers drafted Yahya Black, they’ve launched Montravius Adams, opening extra potential doorways for the rookie. Whereas they talked about him as a four-tech instantly after drafting him, the discharge of Adams suggests in any other case. Actually, apart from Montravius Adams, he’s the one one with the physique to play one-tech. The departure of the veteran provides Black the chance to show extra versatility, thus giving him a greater probability to safe a roster spot.
If the Steelers actually initially envisioned Yahya Black as a four-tech primarily, then their post-draft view appeared to vary quickly. Their resolution to launch veteran NT Montravius Adams, on the very least, opens a serious alternative for the rookie. And contemplating he’s solely a fifth-round choose, each alternative is a worthwhile one.
One factor the Steelers don’t lack this offseason is defensive linemen. Whereas they’ve launched two from final 12 months’s roster, they signed two in free company. Then, in Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, they added two extra in the course of the draft. Harmon, a first-round choose, is prone to begin as a rookie.
Black, alternatively, should battle for his alternatives. The Steelers have already got a younger beginning nostril deal with in Keeanu Benton. And if at defensive finish, the alternatives there aren’t apparent, both. Cameron Heyward and Harmon are, at the very least, already forward of him there. Then you’ve Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee, and Daniel Ekuale. I even go away off guys like Esezi Otomewo, just because there aren’t sufficient practices for everybody to have a shot.
As a rookie, Yahya Black is clearly a participant the Steelers wish to get an extended have a look at. They need him to make the 53-man roster, however he additionally must justify being there. They’ve launched many fifth-round rookies previously, even when extra lately they’ve stored their draft picks.
Black isn’t essentially the most fleet of foot within the room, so it behooves him to ingratiate himself to the coaches along with his work over middle. And that’s his clearest path to a helmet on Sundays, because the direct backup to Benton at nostril deal with.
With the brand new league 12 months underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it’s as soon as once more time to “take inventory”. It took some time, however we lastly noticed a few of that change the staff talked about after the season ended. Definitely, the transfer to commerce for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, to not point out the accompanying contract.
There’s nonetheless an extended approach to go earlier than we all know what this Steelers staff goes to appear to be. The mud is settled on each free company and the 2025 NFL Draft. What different strikes would possibly the staff make, maybe surprising acquisitions or departures? In the event that they traded for one participant, they might actually commerce for one more, or commerce one away. This can be a Steelers staff ravenous for postseason success, however how determined are they for a playoff win in 2025?
