The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an exciting offseason and with training camp getting ready to kick off, the buzz for the 2025 season is real. It's officially getting closer to Steelers football season. Steelers fans are pumped to see their new draft picks, but one player who flew under the radar was seventh-round pick, Donte Kent. The cornerback from Central Michigan fell in the draft as he was known as a boom or bust type of prospect with raw technique, but plenty of upside. The Steelers liked what they saw and took him with their 229th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kylee Surike / The Patriot-News
Steelers' Donte Kent looks on during Organized Team Activities in June of 2025.
Despite his draft position, Kent is already starting to catch attention, and not just in Pittsburgh. Dallas Cowboys superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons recently spoke about Kent while talking to members of PennLive. Parsons, one of the most respected defensive players in the league, had high praise for the rookie. He said the two trained together and that Kent has real potential to succeed at the next level.
While Kent may not have come into the league with much fanfare, that could change quickly. With his 5'11" size, physicality, and a strong work ethic, Kent has a chance to prove himself once training camp begins. The fact that a player of Parsons’ caliber believes in his talent should give Steelers fans even more reason to keep a close eye on him this summer.
"Everyone always knew Lil Kent [Donte Kent]," Parsons said. "He was always ferocious, bro… He’s going to be really ready. I am excited to see where he is at and I kind of gave him some tips. Especially as a seventh-rounder. He’s got a lot to prove, but I think his hunger, his drive, is going to show why he’s going to make that roster."
Parsons was back in town for his high school jersey retirement, but his focus was far from personal celebration. He returned to his alma mater, Harrisburg High School, to host the third annual Lions Den Football Camp and Charity Carnival at Severance Field. While the event was all about giving back to the community, Parsons had high praise for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin.
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Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons sets up near the line of scrimmage and prepares to rush the quarterback during a professional football game.
The two have been training together, and Parsons has taken a hands-on role in helping Kent prepare for his first NFL season in Pittsburgh. After spending time on the field with him, Parsons made it clear that he believes Kent has what it takes to stick with the Steelers. Despite being a seventh-round pick, Parsons is confident Kent will make the final roster and turn heads once training camp gets underway.
It’s never easy for a seventh-round pick to carve out a spot in the gameday rotation, but it is certainly possible. That’s especially true with the Steelers, who have relied on depth in their secondary over the past few seasons.
Steelers' Donte Kent Has Real Chance To Make Noise On Special Teams
Pittsburgh made several moves this offseason to upgrade the defensive backfield, adding experienced veterans and new talent. Even with the improved roster, Kent should have a real opportunity to contribute, particularly on special teams where young players often earn their stripes.
CMU Athletics / Mac Mayhew
Steelers' Donte Kent during his time at CMU.
Kent made a strong impression during early offseason activities and was even said to be competing with players who have starting experience. That was an early indication that he might be outperforming expectations. It will take consistent effort and standout moments during training camp and preseason to make the final roster, but Kent is trending in the right direction.
With the support of Parsons and the work he has already put in, there is real belief that he can find a place on this team. Kent's hungry to prove he should have been drafted earlier. That's always exciting for Steelers fans to hear about a player with a chip on their shoulder.
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