Participant: CB Donte Kent
Inventory Worth: Bought
Reasoning: The Steelers added CB Donte Kent within the seventh spherical, who additionally brings particular groups worth and return expertise. Kent is able to taking part in each inside and outdoors at cornerback, and wears a number of hats on particular groups. Whereas that provides him a bonus for the 53-man roster, he’s removed from a lock sitting right here in Might.
We lastly have the chance to conclude our sequence on the Steelers’ draft picks with Donte Kent. Some roster strikes took precedence alongside the best way, however now we’re wrapping issues up. Kent is an fascinating prospect, and never one lots of people had on their radar prematurely.
The Central Michigan product went to Harrisburg for highschool earlier than spending his total profession within the MAC. Whereas there, Donte Kent solely recorded two interceptions, and none since 2021. That isn’t precisely a ringing endorsement for a cornerback, admittedly, and he noticed loads of targets in his protection.
However let’s set up one factor, in case this isn’t already apparent. The Steelers drafted Donte Kent for Danny Smith, not for Gerald Alexander. That’s to say, they’re primarily serious about him for particular groups, not within the secondary. At the least not initially, however he could have an opportunity to earn a wider position. To start with, he has to make himself helpful within the third section. That can embody becoming a member of the punt return line, and he additionally volunteered for kick returns.
Kent solely dipped his toes into the return position final yr, returning 16 punts for 217 yards. That’s a wholesome 13.6-yard common, and he returned one for a landing. However he has no prior school expertise returning kicks, even when the NFL’s kick as we speak is extra like a punt.
The Steelers do have some numbers at cornerback, so Kent isn’t assured to make the roster. They’ve Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay as their high two, with Brandin Echols and Beanie Bishop Jr. preventing for the slot. As well as, they’ve James Pierre and Cory Trice Jr., plus some safeties who’re slot-capable. Whereas he definitely has an opportunity to make the roster, don’t rush out to purchase your Donte Kent jersey but. Until you’re a member of the family, in fact, during which case you in all probability have already got one.
With the brand new league yr underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it’s as soon as once more time to “take inventory”. It took some time, however we lastly noticed a few of that change the group talked about after the season ended. Actually, the transfer to commerce for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, to not point out the accompanying contract.
There may be nonetheless an extended option to go earlier than we all know what this Steelers group goes to appear like. The mud is settled on each free company and the 2025 NFL Draft. What different strikes would possibly the group make, maybe surprising acquisitions or departures? In the event that they traded for one participant, they might definitely commerce for one more, or commerce one away. It is a Steelers group ravenous for postseason success, however how determined are they for a playoff win in 2025?
