The Kansas City Chiefs prefer bigger defensive backs. But when Trent McDuffie was still available, they had to make a move to get him.
The Chiefs moved up eight spots in the first round of this year’s draft and selected McDuffie 21st overall. Though only 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, the Chiefs believe McDuffie, who was a three-year starter at Washington, can be a lockdown corner in the NFL with his quickness and skills in coverage. And McDuffie feels the same way.
“I want to be that guy, I call it the spark guy,” McDuffie said during rookie camp. “The guy you always see flashing on the screen here and there, just all effort. So that’s what I can control is my effort and showing the coaches that I’m going to run around all over the field with my hair on fire each down is something that I’m going to put on tape.”
After drafting McDuffie, the Chiefs selected two other cornerbacks, Joshua Williams (Fayetteville State) in the fourth round and Jaylen Watson (Washington State) in the seventh round. In all, the Chiefs drafted seven players on defense, including fellow first-round pick defensive end George Karlaftis and safety Bryan Cook in the second round.
“This class definitely came in trying to prove a point,” McDuffie said. “Everybody is very confident but everybody is kind of a brother already. They are very unique and they’re willing to do the dirty work, which is something I know I can do and I’d love to be part of that.”
During the offseason program, McDuffie worked at corner and nickel and he said he found out quickly how difficult the transition from college to the NFL is.
“I definitely know it’s a mental game,” McDuffie said. “Making sure our time management is correct and just doing the little things right. Everybody here knows how to play football, everybody here is fast and physical. So just taking the next step to do something a little different that can boost your game and even boost your team overall. So just taking little things here and there.”
And with training camp starting next week, McDuffie can’t wait to continue his NFL career.
“It’s a dream come true, but it lights a flame under me because now it’s time to work,” McDuffie said. “Now I got the jersey, I got the helmet. Now the journey begins. Now the process begins of going to play football, learning the playbook and doing what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”
