At the end of the 2024 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers\u2019 defensive line faltered. Especially on the interior. While they didn\u2019t make any meaningful additions in free agency, Pittsburgh made an effort to get younger through the draft, picking Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black. Before Sunday\u2019s training camp practice, Alex Highsmith was asked about Harmon and Black.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know, I think they\u2019ve done a great job coming in, and both of those guys make a lot of plays for us,\u201d Highsmith said via Post-Gazette Sports<\/a> on YouTube. \u201cI\u2019m just excited to see how they continue to grow every single day. Both of those guys are physical guys that play hard, got good rush moves. And so I\u2019m excited to see what they have for our defense.\u201d<\/p>\n The Steelers have several rookies who could make an impact this season. But Harmon and Black might be two of the most important. Especially Harmon. The Steelers\u2019 first-round pick should earn a starting role<\/a> to begin the year.<\/p>\n In today\u2019s NFL, one of the first things people look at when analyzing defensive linemen is their ability to rush the passer. Harmon didn\u2019t have a ton of production in that regard in college, but he offers some promising tools in that department. That said, his run defense might be the biggest impact he can make in his rookie season. He made a ton of progress his senior year at Oregon, finishing with 45 tackles and an impressive 11 tackles for a loss. Each of those were the highest single-season totals across his collegiate career.<\/p>\n As for Black, his role is a little less clear. Given his size, the 6-5, 338-pounder seemed like a candidate for nose tackle. He\u2019s gotten some reps at defensive tackle, but Pittsburgh is also working him in at defensive end.<\/p>\n End of practice, final team period, but rookie Yahya Black seeing some first team DE reps. <\/p>\n Pat Freiermuth also took a snap at FB. #Steelers<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) July 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Run defense is clearly something the Steelers were looking to fix with these two. Black has a chance to make a big difference himself. He\u2019s a massive body, capable of holding his own against double teams. Given his size, some worry about his agility on the outside, but that\u2019s something he can work on. It\u2019s also something the Steelers seem interesting in trying out<\/a>.<\/p>\n While the Steelers\u2019 roster is full of veterans, there are a few rookies who may make a huge impact this season. Harmon and Black have that chance. And they\u2019ll be doing so on a unit that was one of the weakest in Pittsburgh at the end of the 2024 campaign.<\/p>\n