Steelers' DL Coach Karl Dunbar Has Strong Message For Both Rookie Linemen

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to load up in the trenches by drafting another defensive lineman. This time, they went with Yahya Black, a four-tech tackle from the Iowa Hawkeyes. After Pittsburgh's abysmal run defense got exposed repeatedly during the end of the 2024 season, they clearly made it a point of emphasis to make sure they are not nearly as bad in that department as they were. Instead of being too thin at the position, they are now very deep with plenty of options for rotation.

Of course, with a position group as deep as that, there will be lots of competition to see who will get what spot. Defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar explained the mindset of that during the post-pick press conference.

"It's about competition, and that's why we're sitting in this room," said Dunbar. "If you want to eat, go take your food."

Head Coach Mike Tomlin is always talking about the "two dogs one bone" mentality of camp competitions, and Dunbar just found another way of saying the exact same thing. At the end of the day, there is no guarantee about who plays at what position. There are two spots on the defensive line up for grabs, and there are many young defensive tackles that are looking for the right to start at those positions. 

Of course, Black will have to compete with fellow rookie Derrick Harmon. Even though Harmon was selected in the first round as opposed to the fifth, rookies are rarely ever guaranteed anything in the Steelers' system right off the bat, no matter when they are drafted. He should be the favorite to win the starting defensive tackle spot, but training camp will decide everything. 

Even though Dunbar announced that Keeanu Benton would most likely stick to that nose tackle role, that is still not a guaranteed thing. He stagnated hard during the 2024 season, which is a reason why the Steelers felt the need to draft a second defensive lineman in the first place. He will most likely be the Day 1 starter in the middle, but a rough camp combined with a good one from someone else could force Tomlin and Dunbar's hand. 

Dunbar also said that Black would most likely be a four-tech as opposed to a nose tackle, but once again, camp can change everything. Harmon is the favorite to play next to TJ Watt, so if Black loses out there, he can still compete with Benton to be the big run-stuffing threat up the middle. 

Either way, people need to eat. There is not enough food for everyone to be full and happy as a starter, however. There is going to be a dogfight to see who can actually make it to the cafeteria line and take what they believe is rightfully theirs. Two players will be able to get it, while one waits for a new chance to get in line. In Tomlin terms, there are three dogs fighting for two bones in this scenario. 

Steelers' Rookies Will Still Get Chances To Eat 

Even if Harmon or Black end up losing the starting job, they will still get opportunities to show off their skill sets elsewhere. Nobody prioritizes special teams like the Steelers do. There will be plenty of chances for them to block field goals by using their size and strength to push the offensive line back and get their hands up to block the kick. The food isn't just for starting defensive linemen.