The Pittsburgh Steelers had a pretty decent draft in 2025 where the organization was able to address a lot of needs. The defensive line was upgraded and injected with a bit of youth, the franchise got a late-round quarterback that could develop into something special, and the backfield has improved after the organization drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the event. Not a lot has been said about the later picks in the draft, but they could make an impact as well, as Pittsburgh drafted both Carson Bruener and Donte Kent in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Steelers' Omar Khan looks on before a game on the road.
Bruener added some inside linebacker depth by being draft, and Kent is a versatile member of the secondary. He was a four-year starter at Central Michigan, and he made an impact on defense and special teams. That experience and ability to be impactful in two phases of the game is what the Steelers liked to see, and his film was full of it.
He has the ability to play cornerback on the outside or in the slot, and he could be a gunner as well as a return specialist. General Manager Omar Khan spoke about selecting Kent in the 2025 NFL Draft during an episode of The Standard, and he seems to have high hopes for the young defender.
"Donte, spent significant time studying his film." Khan said. "Looking at his production, both not only on the defensive side but on special teams. The more we watched, the more excited we got about him. Solid character. Another guy that's got a really good opportunity, and we expect him to contribute sooner than later."
It is never a guarantee that a seventh-round pick is going to make the final 53-man roster straight out of training camp, but Khan seems to believe Kent is capable of doing that, and more. His clear path to being a contributor is by making plays on special teams, as it will be difficult for him to get on the field on defense. He will be behind Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Cory Trice Jr. However, Kent could make a move for some playing time at slot cornerback.
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Steelers' Donte Kent looks on during Organized Team Activities in June of 2025.
The obvious competition for Kent when it comes to making the final roster is James Pierre. Porter, Slay, Trice, Beanie Bishop Jr. and Brandin Echols are all probably locks to make the final roster, assuming no other major moves are made at the position. Pierre plays a decent amount of special teams, but he is not a returner. If Kent can prove he can be a valuable returner while also being reliable on kickoff and punt, it is hard to argue that Pierre should earn a roster spot over him.
An important part of the competition for that last roster spot at cornerback is also going to be play on defense. If Kent can show that he is a better depth option than Pierre, then there is no reason he shouldn't be on the final roster. His versatility and ability to contribute on special teams should make it so this competition isn't even close.
CMU Athletics / Mac Mayhew
Steelers CB Donte Kent during his days with CMU.
Steelers' Donte Kent Could Be In The Mix At Multiple Positions
Kent could end up being a primary return man on kickoff, especially after the Steelers were last in the league in that regard during the 2024 season with Cordarrelle Patterson having that gig. Kent could be the spark Pittsburgh needs at that spot, and he could also put his nose in the competition at slot cornerback. Bishop took nearly all of the snaps at nickelback throughout minicamp, but Kent and Echols could both be seen as options in that spot if Bishop begins to struggle at all.
Another important note to consider is that Special Teams Coach Danny Smith typically has a decent say in the last few roster spots on the final 53. These are typically guys who will mostly only play on special teams, which could be important for Kent.
What do you think of Khan's comments on Kent? Let us know in the comments below!
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