https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-a-to-z-7th-round-pick-donte-kent-to-battle-for-punt-return-job-longshot-for-role-as-db/
Steelers A to Z: 7th-round pick Donte Kent to battle for punt-return job, longshot for DB role
Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
CB/KR DONTE KENT
Experience/age: Rookie, 23
Contract status: $873,364 cap hit in 2025, signed through 2028
The past: A Harrisburg native, Kent was first- or second-team all-Mid-American Conference each of the past three seasons while at Central Michigan. A four-year starter, the 5-foot-10, 189-pound Kent spent his first 2½ playing seasons as primarily an outside cornerback on defense but over his final two years was in more of a hybrid role. Most of the snaps he played were in the slot as the nickel, and that is most likely where any NFL career on defense would reside. Kent had two interceptions, 47 passes defended, two forced fumbles and 235 tackles (171 solo, 4½ for loss) in his college career. He added a blocked kick — and that wasn’t where his greatest impact on special teams was felt. As a punt returner in 2024, he averaged 13.6 yards on 16 attempts with a touchdown.
The Steelers took him with their seventh and final pick of April’s draft, at 229th overall in the seventh round.
What’s better than returning a kickoff for a touchdown? How about returning a punt for a touchdown as well! Donte Kent has both for Central Michigan tonight ????@DonteKent1pic.twitter.com/2eyLHnKQvf
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) August 30, 2024
2025 outlook: Kent most certainly will be in the punt return lines during training camp and undoubtedly get an opportunity to be back deep during some preseason games this summer. If Calvin Austin III takes on a more significant role on offense, it is possible the Steelers elect to shield him from return duties; if so, Kent is on the short list of most likely to inherit that job. The new kickoff rule introduced last season probably isn’t the best fit for a player Kent’s size, but he might be able to show proficiency covering kicks.
That Kent is listed on the Steelers’ official public and internal rosters as “CB/PR” signals that return duties will be a major factor if he can make the team and make a contribution. But he also, of course, will run as a defensive back in practices. Kent said that he mostly was getting snaps at nickel/slot during organized team activities and minicamp. The acquisition of Jalen Ramsey clouds the nickel/slot situation, with incumbent Beanie Bishop also back and free-agent signee Brandin Echols joining the roster with NFL experience in the slot. Still, Kent will attempt to make the most of his opportunities.
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