The Pittsburgh Steelers beefed up their defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft. After having an abysmal run defense at the end of the 2024 season, the team spent a first-round pick on Derrick Harmon and a fifth rounder on Yahya Black, a pair of interior linemen that will have to fight for their jobs and prove that they can do exactly what Pittsburgh couldn't, especially after that Wild Card loss. They should both be an upgrade on the previous state of the Steelers' depth chart from within the trenches.
During rookie minicamp, Black was asked about where he would play on the line. It's hard to speculate when he doesn't even know what position he will be.
"Can't say," Black said. "Wherever [Coach Dunbar and Tomlin] tells me to be, I'll be there."
Previously, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar said that Black would likely play defensive end, even though that's where Harmon will get most of his reps. However, that does not completely erase the possibility of the fifth rounder competing a little as a zero-tech, just to see exactly where he fits. For day one, at least, it will be expected that he will play next to an edge rusher on the second-team defense.
Keeanu Benton had rough second season at nose tackle, which emphasized the need for more quality defensive linemen in the draft. Despite Dunbar's comments, his job is not at all secure. If he continues to stagnate in development and Black proves himself, they could at very least platoon at that position, while Harmon gets plenty of reps as the starting defensive end.
The most likely scenario is that all three young defensive linemen rotate at both positions. Harmon will still primarily be the starter next to the edge rusher, but when he leaves the field to take a breather, Black and Benton could take reps at his four-tech position and zero-tech spot. After a handful of games, the long-term future of each player will become clearer, especially for two in competition.
Steelers Rookies Already Have Disadvantage
The Steelers do tend to prioritize seniority over rookies. With that said combined with Dunbar's comments, Benton will definitely have the edge. Even after his struggles in 2024, the starting nose tackle job is his to lose.
Black could start camp as the primary back up at every single defensive line position, just to see exactly where he plays his best. That versatility likely contributed a lot to him being selected in the first place.
Of course, Harmon will also have the edge over Black based solely on draft stock. The first rounder will get every chance to show that he belongs on the team. With Benton primarily playing nose tackle, it's safe to say that Harmon will most likely start every single game, unless the third-year lineman ends up taking a majority of the snaps in nickel packages.
That's where Harmon's competition comes in. With Cameron Heyward playing as one defensive tackle, there will be a three-way battle for the second spot whenever there is a fifth defensive back on the field. Either of the rookies could check in whenever Heyward takes a play off, but there is still a lot to prove if either of them want quality playing time in every down. There is a lot to prove for everyone. As Dunbar said, "If you want to eat, go take your food."
