2022 NFL draft scouting report: Washington CB Trent McDuffie

Washington CB Trent McDuffie

5-foot-10
193 pounds

Yahoo Sports' 2022 NFL draft grade

6.48 — possible first-rounder; possible immediate starter

TL;DR scouting report

Compact-framed, highly competitive corner with very good speed, ball skills and man-coverage ability to compete readily vs. more physically gifted receivers

The skinny

A 4-star Rivals recruit as an "athlete," McDuffie spurned Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and other big programs to commit to the Huskies. Starting 11 of 13 games as a true freshman, he had one interception, two forced fumbles and three recoveries. Over his next two seasons, McDuffie rose to second-team all-conference in 2020 and first team in 2021, finishing his career with two INTs, 10 passes defended and three forced fumbles. He declared early for the 2022 NFL draft.

Upside

• Highly competitive athlete — maintained focus and intensity through team's struggles in 2021

• Infectious play style, gritty toughness can inspire teammates

• Plus run defender despite size, unafraid to come crashing downhill

• Sticky man-coverage ability to hang with shifty, fast receivers

• Seldom allows receivers to cross his face without resistance

• Maintains good leverage and body positioning in coverage — rarely gets undressed

• Consistent fundamentals in coverage — lots of clean tape

• Good long speed (4.44 40) and makeup speed to recover

• Quick trigger to strike at the catch point and disrupt at catch point

• Can hold his own in traffic

• Top-shelf coverage instincts

• Very disciplined in coverage — only four penalties in nearly 1,700 career defensive snaps

• Has blitz potential

• Allowed only 22 catches (on 44 targets) for 163 yards, 0 TDs past two seasons, per PFF

• Limits receivers' YAC ability by sticking in their hip pockets

• Very good tackler in space

• Still young with upside and room for development — just turned 21 years old

• Product of Huskies program that has funneled DB talent readily to NFL

• Film junkie — said to consume hours of tape during the season

• Possible safety conversion project if length issues crop up at corner

• Willing special teamer

Downside

• Sub-30-inch arms — well below preferred threshold for many teams

• Might be a slot only for some systems

• Played mostly left corner last two seasons; inexperienced in slot, on right side

• Limited ball production — two INTs, 10 PDs over three seasons on 100 career targets

• No INTs over final 12 games

• Not built to battle with big-framed, long-levered receivers all game

• Played in one of the more talented secondaries in the country

• Seldom singled up with elite WR talent past two seasons

• Only ran 40-yard dash at combine; full athletic profile unknown but lacks elite physical traits

Best-suited destination

McDuffie has the talent, mental approach, toughness and competitiveness to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but his fit will be interesting. Some teams will peg him as a nickel corner because of his length. But there will be some teams that could let him do what he does best and play outside, provided he's not matched up with longer, more physical wideouts. McDuffie should contribute readily early in his career and develop into a starter shortly.

Did you know

McDuffie never wore No. 22 before coming to Washington. But upon arriving at UW, that numbered jersey hung in his locker — the same number that his late brother, Tyler, wore. McDuffie also wears a chain and has a tattoo with 22 to honor his brother, who died when McDuffie was in eighth grade.

Player comp

We could see McDuffie developing into a Casey Hayward Jr. type of prospect, one who starts his career playing inside but eventually settles in as an outside corner. McDuffie also could develop into a Quandre Diggs or Devin McCourty type of safety if a team wanted to convert him.

Expected draft range

First-round pick