The pick is in.
The 2025 NFL Draft is Omar Khan’s third year as the Steelers’ general manager and like in past years we evaluate the value of each pick. Based on projections for each player by draft outlets as well as our own reports we want to see if the pick’s value is above or below how they were ranked coming into the draft.
Round 7 (Pick 229) – Donte Kent CB Central Michigan
The Steelers’ final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft addressed their defensive backfield. Pre-draft speculation had the team looking at either a corner or safety. The team also has a history of taking players from the MAC conference.
Lance Zierlein’s Kent profile at NFL.com gave him a 5.91 grade (average backup or special teamer) with a round projection from the seventh to a preferred free agent. He had him as the 26th-ranked cornerback.
“Speedy four-year starter and team captain with the athletic ability to garner Day 3 interest in the draft. Kent’s measurables are better suited for the slot, but he can play outside if needed. His speed and burst lead to pass breakups, but he lacks the route anticipation and instincts to turn more of those into interceptions. He’s not scheme-dependent but is better in man coverage than he is in zone. He’s tough enough in run support and has potential as a gunner or punt returner, which should increase his draft value.”
Dane Brugler, in his The Beast draft guide, listed Kent as the No. 43 defensive back and gave him a free agent grade.
“Donte Kent grew up in Harrisburg, Pa., with his parents (Ronald and Kathy). He was a two-way star (wide receiver and cornerback) at Harrisburg High and combined for 10 interceptions over his junior and senior seasons. A three-star recruit, he received mostly MAC offers and committed to Central Michigan. He compiled almost as many passes defended (47) as starts (48) over the past five seasons. As a senior, he added punt return duties to his resume and averaged 13.6 yards per return, including a 68-yard touchdown.
Playing a lot of Cover 2, Kent skillfully uses his eyes to pick up on route clues and drive on throws. His aggressiveness can get him in trouble at times, but he shows the make-up speed on tape to recover. Despite getting his hands on a lot of footballs, he was able to convert only two passes into turnovers. Overall, Kent is an above-average tackler for the position (at least 50 tackles each of the past four years) with NFL-quality speed, processing, and special teams value.”
CBSSports.com did not have a report for Kent and likewise for Steelers Depot but we will have one up very soon.
A speedy defensive back with punt return experience and Pennsylvania ties, Kent seems to be better suited for the slot-corner position, a spot that may be up for grabs.
Based on the limited reports we have, Kent was a late Day 3 option. Instead of hoping to sign him as a free agent, the Steelers made him their final pick.
Based on the evaluations above, this is a pick of solid value.
