In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected cornerback and return specialist Donte Kent from Central Michigan with the 229th overall pick on April 26, 2025. Kent, a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native, has made a name for himself in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), earning accolades and setting records during his collegiate career.
Over five seasons with the Chippewas, Kent was a standout player, appearing in 53 games. His impressive career statistics include 234 tackles, six of which were for a loss, 46 pass breakups, and two interceptions. In his final season, he recorded 53 tackles and nine pass breakups, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His performance as a punt returner was equally noteworthy; he returned 16 punts for 217 yards and scored a touchdown in the season opener against Central Connecticut.
Kent's consistent excellence on the field earned him All-MAC honors for each of his final three seasons, culminating in first-team recognition in 2022 and second-team honors in 2023 and 2024. His versatility was evident as he played more snaps in the slot than on the outside during his senior year, with Pro Football Focus noting he logged 443 snaps in the slot compared to 215 out wide.
At his Pro Day, Kent showcased his athleticism, running a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash, weighing in at 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds. He also demonstrated impressive jumping ability, recording a 38.5-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 10 feet 3 inches. These numbers caught the attention of NFL scouts, solidifying his status as a prospect worth considering in the draft.
Despite being selected late in the draft, Kent expressed his excitement about joining the Steelers, a team he didn’t grow up supporting. “I was a Chicago Bears fan,” Kent said, “But I’m a Steelers fan now. … Bring the (Terrible) towels. Where are the towels at?” His enthusiasm reflects the pride he feels about playing close to home.
As the Steelers' final selection, Kent was picked as part of a strategy to bolster their secondary depth. The team had previously traded for this pick from the Kansas City Chiefs and had focused heavily on defense throughout the draft, selecting multiple defensive players including Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black, and Carson Bruener. Kent's ability to contribute on special teams, particularly as a punt returner, adds another layer to his potential impact on the team.
Kent's journey from Harrisburg High School, where he was a two-way star and a Big 33 pick, to Central Michigan, where he became a team captain and a record-setting defensive back, highlights his growth and determination. He finished his college career with an impressive total of 235 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a school-record 47 pass breakups. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example will be invaluable as he transitions to the professional level.
In an interview, Kent emphasized his readiness to contribute to the Steelers in any way possible. “I can return punts, come in as a core special teams player. They can throw me back deep as a kick returner as well. I want to come in and do whatever I can to contribute to the team in a positive way,” he stated. This attitude is exactly what the Steelers look for in their players as they build a competitive roster.
With Kent joining the team, the Steelers are looking to enhance their special teams unit while also providing depth in the secondary. His unique skill set and experience in both cornerback and returner roles make him a valuable asset as the team prepares for the upcoming season. As training camp approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Kent adapts to the challenges of the NFL and what role he will carve out for himself on the roster.
Overall, the selection of Donte Kent represents a strategic move by the Steelers to secure a talented player who can contribute immediately while also having the potential for development in the years to come. With his impressive college stats and a strong work ethic, Kent is poised to make a significant impact as he embarks on his professional football career.
