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With their last pick in the draft, the Steelers finally address cornerback.
With their last pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Central Michigan cornerback Donte Kent.
Kent, projected as a seventh-round pick or priority free agent by NFL.com, is already familiar with the Steelers’ state; his hometown is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He’s also the only non-Big Ten player drafted by the Steelers in 2025. Kent played in the MAC.
Kent is a fifth-year senior who started four years for the Chippewas. He has put up consistent tackling numbers (50-plus combined each year as a starter), but has just two career interceptions. At 5’10, 189 pounds, he’s on the shorter side but compact, even if draft profiles have him moving to the slot at the NFL level.
He played both inside and outside at cornerback during his time in college.
Kent is a solid athlete with a 7.54 RAS including a reported 4.38-second 40-yard dash even if his agility tested as “poor” for his position (3.8-second three-cone; 4.38-second shuttle).
The Steelers announced the Kent pick as a “CB/PR,” which is worth noting. Kent returned punts in 2024, logging 16 returns for 217 yards (13.6-yard average) and one touchdown. He can also play at gunner and contribute in kick coverage.
Kent’s brother, Ronald, was also a standout defensive back at Central Michigan.