Steelers Found Hidden Gem Late In 2025 NFL Draft: "I Was Shocked"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had another solid 2025 NFL Draft so far under General Manager Omar Khan. Of course, it's always hard to immediately judge a draft, as it typically takes several seasons for a draft class to be truly known as good, bad, or average. However, as it stands currently, the Steelers addressed needs and found value in some key spots. 

One of the lesser-known players Pittsburgh selected was cornerback Donte Kent out of Central Michigan, a pick that initially puzzled some fans. Many in Steeler Nation were confused by the choice of Kent with several higher-profile cornerbacks still on the board. His name didn't carry the same weight as others in the class, and some questioned whether he had the speed and athleticism to hang with top NFL receivers. 

Still, Kent was a consistent performer in college and showed flashes of strong football instincts, especially in zone coverage. He was often praised for his awareness, tackling ability, and willingness to compete at the line of scrimmage. On Monday, NFL analysts Ross Tucker and Emory Hunt offered encouraging insight into Kent’s potential. Hunt called Kent one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the draft and pointed to his high-level tape and natural feel for the game. 

"Donte Kent was an underrated player," Hunt said via Ross Tucker's YouTube channel. "I was shocked that not a lot of people were talking about him out of Central Michigan. Very good selection."

Tucker added that while Kent might not stand out during workouts, his ability to anticipate routes and make plays could translate well to the NFL. 

Both analysts believe Kent has the tools to develop into a reliable piece of the Steelers' secondary if given the time and opportunity.

"Donte Kent is from Harrisburg. I saw he and his brother Ronald Kent play in high school," Tucker said. "Those kids can fly. They both went to Central Michigan, so I'm excited about Donte."

If Tucker and Hunt are correct in their analysis of this pick for Pittsburgh. That means, the Steelers continued their tradition of finding hidden gems in the later rounds of the NFL Draft by selecting Kent. While the pick caught some fans off guard, the Steelers clearly saw something others may have overlooked. 

Kent offers a rare combination of versatility, athleticism, and special teams value that makes him a strong candidate to earn a role early. Pittsburgh was particularly drawn to his ability to contribute as both a punt returner and gunner, giving him immediate upside even if he doesn't see the field much on defense in year one.

Steelers' Donte Kent Could See Some Playing Time In 2025 On Special teams

Kent's local ties, physical style of play, and leadership qualities also make him a strong cultural fit in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have long valued players who bring toughness and grit, and Kent checks those boxes. He may not have been one of the headline names in this year’s draft class, but his athletic profile is intriguing. 

Coaches believe his quickness and change-of-direction skills could translate well to the slot corner role, especially if he continues to develop in the team’s system. The Steelers have a wide-open competition at the slot corner spot, and Kent could be in the mix to claim it at some point.

While Kent remains a long shot for meaningful defensive snaps as a rookie, his "Swiss Army Knife" skill set and strong work ethic give him a real chance to make the 53-man roster or stick around on the practice squad. The Steelers have had success with similar late-round players in the past, and Kent looks like another calculated gamble who could pay off down the line.

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