The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Iowa defensive end Yahya Black plans on taking full advantage. Black recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Black also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his versatility as a defensive lineman, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Black better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Yahya Black: I was just at the facility when I got my Reese’s Senior Bowl invite box. Shoot, it was pretty cool (laughs).
JM: What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Yahya Black: It didn’t need much motivation. I’m excited to showcase my skills and have some fun.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Yahya Black: I know what everybody says about me, what the big thing is. I don’t pay any attention to social media, but I know a lot of people talk about my pass-rushing production. That’s what I’ve been working on throughout the offseason. I’m excited to showcase the growth I’ve made.
JM: Building on that, how would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Yahya Black: If I was scouting for the other team, I’d say Yahya Black is a long dude. You better catch him off guard (laughs). That’s me being realistic. I understand I have some things to work on. I’m excited to take this opportunity at the Senior Bowl to get better.
JM: Do you see yourself playing a three-down role at the next level?
Yahya Black: To be completely honest with you, I’m just going to play the role they ask me to play. At the moment, if you go off what the people are saying about me right now, that’s an early-down run-stopping role.
JM: Is Yahya Black versatile enough to play multiple positions?
Yahya Black: Of course I am. If you give me a chance, I can learn and play any position on the defensive line. I can do it all.
JM: Are there any players you’re looking forward to swapping jerseys with at the next level?
Yahya Black: I’d say all of my old teammates. Anybody I played at Iowa with. Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell. Lukas Van Ness and I came in together in the same recruiting class. I can’t wait to see him again.
JM: The list of Iowa alumni is long and impressive. You’re up next. Fun question before we let you go. What’s on Yahya Black’s pre-game playlist?
Yahya Black: My pre-game playlist? It’s strictly Adele. Anything by Adele.
JM: That’s gotta be the most unique answer I’ve ever received to that question by a 6-foot-5, 305-pound defensive lineman.
Yahya Black:: Yeah, probably (laughs). Adele is the only artist I listen to before a game.
JM: It seems to be working for you (laughs). We appreciate your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Yahya Black?
Yahya Black: I’m looking forward to showcasing the skills that I didn’t always showcase during the season. When you’re playing in college, you’re playing for the defense. I was a selfless player. I’m excited to showcase what people didn’t see from me, the things I’ve been working on this offseason.
