In the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a pair of picks. For the most part, they had addressed most of their weaknesses. And seventh-round picks are more lottery tickets than anything. Sometimes, teams will spend those selections on players they don’t want to chase as undrafted free agents. One of the best parts of players getting drafted is Mike Tomlin calling to break the news to them.
The team shared both the phone calls Tomlin made to the team’s seventh-round picks.
With their first pick in the seventh round, the Steelers selected Washington linebacker Carson Bruener, the son of former Steelers tight end and current team scout Mark Bruener.
“Hey, Carson, how you doing, buddy?” Tomlin asked via the team’s Twitter account. “Man, congratulations. We’re so excited about having you. I just want to tell you, obviously, we’ve got a relationship with your old man, but your tape, your resumé speaks for itself. We are happy to be doing business with you, and we’ve got a good vision for what you’re capable of.”
Although the younger Bruener has connections to the Steelers, Tomlin has made it clear that’s not why they drafted him. They like him as a player. Getting to play for the same team his dad once did likely has to mean a lot to Bruener, too. Draft day already brings a lot of emotions, but that had to add another layer.
Bruener wasn’t the only player the Steelers drafted in the seventh round. They used their second selection on Central Michigan cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent. Tomlin called Kent as well, and it sounds just as special.
“Donte, how you doing?” Tomlin said via the team’s website. “Hey man, are you in Pennsylvania? Awesome. We’re excited about you and the versatility you displayed on your tape. Inside, outside, punt return game. Congratulations, you’re deserving of this opportunity.”
Versatility is something the Steelers covet, especially in recent years. That can be seen along the offensive line, where they like having players who can suit up at multiple positions. However, that element can be just as important in cornerbacks. Being able to play in the slot and along the boundary can do a lot for a player’s value.
Kent isn’t only a defensive player as he can also return punts. Value on special teams tends to help players drafted on Day 3 make the actual roster. Tomlin doesn’t usually have defensive players return punts or kicks, but it’s not something he’s never done before.
Getting that phone call from Tomlin had to be exciting for both players. It’s an awesome moment that marks the end of all their hard work in college. Now, they’re in the NFL, and we’ll see where their journeys go from here.
