Player: DL Yahya Black<\/p>\n
Stock Value: Up<\/p>\n
Reasoning: Since the Steelers drafted Yahya Black, they have released Montravius Adams, opening more potential doors for the rookie. While they talked about him as a four-tech immediately after drafting him, the release of Adams suggests otherwise. Really, other than Montravius Adams, he is the only one with the body to play one-tech. The departure of the veteran gives Black the opportunity to display more versatility, thus giving him a better chance to secure a roster spot.<\/p>\n
If the Steelers really initially envisioned Yahya Black as a four-tech primarily, then their post-draft view seemed to change rapidly. Their decision to release veteran NT Montravius Adams, at the very least, opens a major opportunity for the rookie. And considering he is only a fifth-round pick, every opportunity is a valuable one.<\/p>\n
One thing the Steelers do not lack this offseason is defensive linemen. While they have released two from last year\u2019s roster, they signed two in free agency. Then, in Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black, they added two more during the draft. Harmon, a first-round pick, is likely to start as a rookie.<\/p>\n
Black, on the other hand, will have to fight for his opportunities. The Steelers already have a young starting nose tackle in Keeanu Benton. And if at defensive end, the opportunities there aren\u2019t obvious, either. Cameron Heyward and Harmon are, at least, already ahead of him there. Then you have Dean Lowry, Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, Logan Lee, and Daniel Ekuale. I even leave off guys like Esezi Otomewo, simply because there aren\u2019t enough practices for everyone to have a shot.<\/p>\n
As a rookie, Yahya Black is obviously a player the Steelers want to get a long look at. They want him to make the 53-man roster, but he also needs to justify being there. They have released many fifth-round rookies in the past, even if more recently they have kept their draft picks.<\/p>\n
Black isn\u2019t the most fleet of foot in the room, so it behooves him to ingratiate himself to the coaches with his work over center. And that\u2019s his clearest path to a helmet on Sundays, as the direct backup to Benton at nose tackle.<\/p>\n
With the new league year underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it\u2019s once again time to \u201ctake stock\u201d. It took a while, but we finally saw some of that\u00a0change the team talked about<\/a>\u00a0after the season ended. Certainly, the move to trade for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, not to mention the accompanying contract.<\/p>\n