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Continuing our 2025 NFL Draft coverage, the Pittsburgh Steelers were active in the later rounds of the draft and picked up an additional interior defensive lineman, a linebacker with Steel City ties, and a cornerback in the 5th and 7th rounds. The additional depth pieces seem more important now – after the draft – with the announcement by the team that veteran Montravius Adams was released and 2024 Draft selection Ryan Watts was leaving football due to the significance of the neck injury he suffered during his rookie year.
Yahya Black – Round 5, Pick 164
Black, a 6’6″, 336-pound defensive tackle (Iowa Hawkeyes) was described by head coach Mike Tomlin in this way: “Like I’ve been saying throughout the draft process — (Black is) a big chassis. There’s F-150s. He’s an F-350. He’s a big man and is really stout against the run. You can always use a skill set like that, certainly.”
Black (first name is pronounced “why ā” or Y. A.) finished his Iowa career with 117 tackles (14 for a loss), 5.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 10 pass defenses. He also played on the Hawkeyes’ PAT and punt blocking unit.
NFL Combine Stats
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.39 Seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.88 Seconds
- Vertical Jump: 25.5’’
- Broad Jump: 8’ 5’’
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.63 Seconds
- 20-Yd Shuttle: 4.72 Seconds
With Adams’ release, Black – a brick wall on the defensive line that has a great motor – will join former Iowa teammate Logan Lee, Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Daniel Ekuale, and Esezi Otomewo in what the Steelers hope will be a rotational group that can be more stout against the run, defend the ends of the line as well as be more disruptive in the trenches.
Carson Bruener – Round 7, Pick 226
If the last name sounds familiar, you may just be a Steelers fan who’s been around long enough to remember tight end and scout Mark Bruener. Carson is his son, so he has ties to the Steelers. Unlike his father, the former Washington Husky plays on the other side of the ball as a linebacker.
At 6’1″, 227 pounds, Bruener posted 306 tackles (10.5 for a loss), 1.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions, and 14 pass defenses during his collegiate career.
NFL Combine Stats
- 40-Yard Dash:4.58 Seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.57 Seconds
- Vertical Jump: 33.5’’
- Broad Jump: 9’ 11’
The Steelers add Bruener to an inside linebackers group comprised of Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison, and Mark Robinson. While Bruener ranked 11th among interior linebackers in athleticism at the Combine, his ability to make plays on the ball in pass defense and special teams contributions give the Steelers an additional weapon on defense.
Donte Kent – Round 7, Pick 229
Kent, the Harrisburg (Penn.) native played cornerback at Central Michigan. At 5’10, 189 pounds, Kent is suited to play the slot corner position. A four-year starter for the Chippewas, and team captain, Kent has good speed and burst. Better in man coverage than zone, Kent can play outside if needed and is capable in run defense. He also has special teams value as a returner or gunner.
Central Michigan’s Pro Day Stats
- 40-yard Dash: 4.38 Seconds
- Vertical Jump: 38.50″
- Broad Jump: 12′ 3″
- Bench Press: 14 Reps
- Shuttle: 4.38 Seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.15 Seconds
With Watts’ release (Ryan), Kent becomes the next guy who could be utilized at the nickel position in place of Beanie Bishop or Brandin Echols who is better as an outside corner. The Steelers could rotate Kent with safety Juan Thornhill in the slot, as well, but he will likely get snaps with special teams regardless. Danny Smith loves versatile players, and Kent could be his next special teams star.
Bruener, Black, Kent round out Steelers 2025 draft class appeared first on Steel City Underground.