With a lot of down time between now and the start of training camp in Latrobe in late July, there is plenty of time to debate some trending topics centered on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Today, Alex Kozora and I debate whether second-year defensive lineman Yahya Black will take the starting nose tackle job away from veteran Keeanu Benton, especially after comments from new defensive line coach Domata Peko raised that possibility.
“I feel like Black can be one of the best noses in the game if he keeps doing what he’s been doing, and that’s working his butt off,” Peko said, according to video via the Post-Gazette. “Really good on his technique and his details. I just want to sharpen him up and get him really going and to bring out the best in him.”
Let us know who made the better argument and what side of the debate you come in on in the comments below.
FOLLOWING DL COACH DOMATA PEKO’S NOSE TACKLE COMMENTS REGARDING YAHYA BLACK, WILL KEEANU BENTON LOSE HIS STARTING JOB?
Josh Carney — Yes, Black will become the starting nose tackle
When the Steelers selected Black in the fifth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, nose tackle felt like his best position in their 3-4 defense. Sure, the Iowa product has the size and the length to handle himself well as a 5-tech in the Steelers’ scheme.
But he can be truly dominant as a nose tackle. He played 77 snaps as a true nose last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and showed flashes of being able to control the point of attack with his length and strength. When the Steelers had issues last season defending the run, it was often due to Keeanu Benton’s struggles holding up or getting off blocks on the interior.
That won’t be the case with Black.
He has the ideal build for the position and plugging him in at nose tackle when the Steelers are in base will free up Benton to float around and tap further into his athleticism as a pass rusher. He’s coming off a career-best 5.5 sacks, and playing true NT in his first few years had many questioning what the Steelers were doing.
Now, they have that clear-cut nose on the roster, and Peko saying that’s where Black could be best suited felt like a major signal. That move might make Benton an expensive backup, especially if he signs an extension this summer.
But that’s the move that is best for the Steelers, both in 2026 and long term.
Alex Kozora – No, Black Won’t Become The Starting Nose Tackle
On paper, I get the allure of Yahya Black supplanting Keeanu Benton. Still, the Steelers’ aim is to play their best guys, and Benton still sits in pole position. His 2025 season was a breakout year, especially as a pass rusher. Run defense remains his weaker suit and opens the door to Black logging more time.
Even with the 3-4 defense being used more than some think, teams can and will pass out of every situation. Black is a liability in those moments. He isn’t perfect against the run either, still refining his technique and fighting his tall build that creates natural leverage advantages for smaller offensive linemen.
Benton could play more defensive tackle or end, but Cam Heyward and Derrick Harmon are starters there. That limits the scope in which Benton can play and keeps him at nose tackle. When Harmon was available last season, the run defense was very good, and showed Benton manning the middle isn’t the central problem.
Most of all, the Steelers could still reach a long-term deal with Benton. Omar Khan hasn’t been shy about locking up the team’s 2023 draft class and retaining talent. If Benton gets a multi-year deal, he’s not losing serious snaps to a second-year player on a cheap rookie contract.
Black can still rotate in. There will be a role for him, and his depth will be important. But usurping Benton this year probably isn’t in the cards.
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