Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Pittsburgh Steelers are bolstering their defensive lineup with the addition of former Iowa standout Noah Black, a 23-year-old player who leaves behind impressive statistics from his collegiate tenure. Over his career at Iowa, Black recorded 117 tackles, including 14 for a loss, and achieved 5.5 sacks. His defensive prowess also includes three forced fumbles and ten pass defenses, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays effectively.
Black, who originally joined Iowa as a 250-pound defensive lineman, has significantly transformed his physique through dedicated training. Now tipping the scales at 336 pounds, he possesses remarkable strength that the Steelers hope will contribute to their defensive strategies. During his time at Iowa, he showcased his reliability, starting in 27 consecutive games and averaging 44 defensive snaps per game.
As part of a strategic shift, the Steelers plan to implement a more varied rotation along the defensive front. This change comes with the intention of alleviating the workload of veteran Cameron Heyward, who, at 35, played a staggering 70 percent of the snaps in 2024. The team is leaning into a deeper roster of defensive linemen, aiming for increased efficiency on the field.
Joining Black will be a formidable group of players, including Heyward, nose tackle Keanu Benton, and Logan Lee, Black’s former teammate at Iowa and a sixth-round pick from the previous season. This lineup will also feature Isaiahh Loudermilk, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry, and new acquisitions Daniel Ekuale and Esezi Otomewo. The competition is fierce, as the Steelers typically carry only six to seven defensive linemen on their roster, making the upcoming preseason critical for each player’s standing.
In addition to his defensive skills, Black’s physical attributes—boasting 35-inch arms as measured at the NFL Scouting Combine—allowed him to contribute on special teams as well. His versatility to block field goals and point-after attempts adds another layer of value to his role with the Steelers.
As training camps approach, the pressure will mount for Black and his fellow defensive linemen to earn their spots on the roster. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this reshaped defensive unit performs, as the Steelers aim for a return to their defensive dominance in the league.