Trent McDuffie is a very good athlete with good lateral agility and overall quickness in coverage. In the run game, he is an aggressive tackler who seemingly enjoys the physical aspect of the game. He seems to relish when he is the force player in zone, so that he can be a willing participant in the run game. In the passing game, although he plays the game from “bail” technique more often than not, he demonstrates good hips and feel to stay in phase in coverage. He is always close in coverage and is rarely out of position.

In zone, he demonstrates good instincts, easily passing off routes. He easily identifies when the opposition threatens his zone and knows how to utilize his help. I wish he were consistently more effective as a re-router in press situations. On third downs, he can play inside or outside but may have more value inside at nickel—it’s there that he can use his physicality, instincts, and lateral agility to excel at this position.

Ideal Role: Starting Cornerback

Scheme Fit: Skill set fits any scheme. Inside or outside.

FILM EVALUATION

Written by Drae Harris

Games watched: Michigan (2021), ASU (2021), Wash State (2021), Arizona (2021)

Best Game Studied: ASU (2021)

Worst Game Studied: Washington State (2021)

Man Coverage: See Above.

Zone Coverage: See Above.

Ball Skills: Although he hasn’t had the type of ball production to match his potential, he demonstrates good ball skills. He can track the football in the air and uses good hand-eye coordination to get his hands on the football.

Tackling: See Above.

Versatility: I believe he has true versatility. He could be an asset in the kicking game as a core special teamer or as a punt returner. His lack of length and bulk may be problematic for him outside. However, he demonstrates the ability to suffice outside but thrive inside.

Competitive Toughness: He displays the necessary competitive toughness required for the position. He is tough and physical as a run defender. He is also competitive when closing separation in coverage, particularly underneath throws.

Functional Athleticism: He displays good functional athleticism in coverage. He has good hips and does a good job of staying in phase while in man coverage. He demonstrates the ability to cover shiftier, fast receivers as well as bigger more physical ones.

Football IQ: He demonstrates good football IQ and instincts in coverage. In zone, he shows good awareness and easily passes off routes in coverage. He plays with a good understanding of where his help is in coverage.

Run Defending: He is a good and aggressive tackler against receivers and in the run game as well. He enjoys being the force player and flies downhill to be a participant in the run game.

Length: He lacks the ideal length for the position. However, I don’t believe this limits his ability to play inside and outside in the NFL.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 84.75/100 (Second Round Value)

Crabbs Grade: 83.00/100

Marino Grade: 86.00/100

Harris Grade: 83.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 85.50/100

Weissman Grade: 85.00/100

Parson Grade: 83.00/100