Can Yahya Black Be Successful At Nose Tackle?

For much of his career, including his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, second‑year defensive lineman Yahya Black has primarily played defensive end or defensive tackle, with only occasional snaps at nose tackle. Last season, he logged 416 defensive snaps, but just 80 of them came at nose — a role he was used in sparingly and situationally.

Following Wednesday’s OTAs, Steelers defensive line coach Domata Peko hinted

 that Black would be playing primarily at nose tackle, as he noted his belief in Black someday becoming one of the best at the position. Despite limited experience there, Black’s most notable success at nose came in the preseason, particularly against the Carolina Panthers, when he recorded two sacks and posted a 20% pass‑rush win rate. Those flashes showed what he could offer when aligned directly over the center.

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Moving Black into a full‑time 0‑tech role marks a significant shift in what the Steelers will ask of him. At 3‑tech and defensive end, he relied on quickness and length to attack gaps. Playing head‑up on the center requires more anchoring strength, balance, and the ability to absorb double teams — areas that challenged him at times last season.

Still, his frame and leverage give him a workable foundation, and he has shown he can stay square, lock out blockers, and reset the line when he wins early with his hands.

The appeal for Pittsburgh extends beyond run defense. Even in limited nose reps, Black flashed the ability to generate interior pressure, something the Steelers haven’t consistently produced from that spot in years. His preseason tape showed a defender capable of converting power and walking centers back into the pocket rather than simply occupying space. With Peko — a longtime NFL nose tackle — now coaching the position, Black has a mentor who understands the nuances of hand placement, strike timing, and playing with a firm base.

Whether the move sticks will come down to consistency. The physical demands of nose tackle require disciplined run‑fit technique and the ability to hold up snap after snap against interior power schemes. If Black can pair that reliability with the pass‑rush flashes he’s already shown, the Steelers may gain a more disruptive and versatile presence in the middle of their front. With a full offseason to refine his game under Peko, he enters this season as one of the more intriguing developmental pieces on Pittsburgh’s defensive line.