The Pittsburgh Steelers don't just have some new faces on the defensive side of the ball that will be on the field competing. Mike Tomlin will no longer be implementing his system, and Patrick Graham has the reins to change what he thinks will be beneficial for the unit. It is going to be interesting to see what kind of improvements will be made and a lot of returning contributors will have to find ways to make adjustments. Everything is not going to be the same moving forward, so training camp will be a pivotal time for everyone to get on the same page.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham works with defense as the team practices during an Organized Team Activities (OTAs) workout in Pittsburgh, PA.
The secondary has been upgraded at both the cornerback and safety positions, while the front seven also added some pieces to help out the collective as a whole. One spot that might remain a little bit of a mystery, depending on Jalen Ramsey's role, will be slot cornerback. A lot of individuals could be moving around on that side of the ball, so roles might be switching up often.
It's also important to have depth in the event of an injury. A player who turned some heads back in 2025 was then-rookie Donte Kent. The seventh-round selection made some waves early on, but injuries unfortunately held him back. With a new coaching staff in town, it will be even more difficult for him to make a name for himself moving forward.
The talented defender needs to stay healthy for starters. It's not going to be easy to build a solid reputation over the course of the summer months. In a fan chat hosted by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday, the beat writer was asked if Kent looked good during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The reporter acknowledged that it is going to be pretty difficult for the corner as the months go by.
"Yes, Kent had a rough go of it as a rookie," Fittipaldo wrote. "He was injured twice. Once in camp and then again when he was trying to come back. Long road back for him, but there is some talent there if he can stay healthy."
This is not going to be an easy roster to make for cornerbacks who are on the outside looking in. There is plenty of experience and a lot of talent. Kent had some good moments back in 2025, but that doesn't mean Graham and his fellow coaches will buy his stock. Kent is going to have to be extremely impressive throughout the rest of the Steelers' offseason workouts and programs.
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Steelers cornerback Donte Kent (34) goes up against a wide receiver while the team runs through a drill during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The most important time for Kent overall will be the preseason matchups. If he does want to get plenty of playing time and prove himself, staying healthy will be of the utmost importance. A lot of the veterans won't be on the field much in those games, and Kent is just a second-year guy that will get his opportunities if his durability holds up.
The Steelers' defense dealt with a lot of injuries in 2025, which means the backups in place are going to need to be formidable enough to step in if they need to. If someone like Ramsey goes down at any point, then a guy like Kent could be the perfect solution to step in for a week or two. However, he needs to really show a new staff that he is worthy of a 53-man roster spot.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey looks on as the team gets some work in during a 2025 training camp practice that was held at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Would Welcome A Surprising Showing From Kent
Pittsburgh knows what it has regarding the majority of the players on the roster. Despite that, there are a handful or so of individuals that could surprise throughout training camp. Cornerbacks in the NFL often deal with soft tissue injuries, so depth in the area is crucial. A guy like Kent stepping up and showing that he belongs will be a very big addition for the Steelers in 2026.
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