Trent McDuffie Remains Underrated in 2024 Cornerback Rankings

The Kansas City Chiefs are the team that everyone in the NFL is looking to take down. This group has won two straight Super Bowls and has its sights set on its third.

That is a tough mountain to climb but it isn't something they haven't done before. The Chiefs obviously have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce as the face of the organization but this roster is loaded.

The defensive side of the ball paid major dividends for them last season. They finished the year second in total defense (289.8) and points allowed (17.3) but fourth in pass defense (176.5).

Cornerback Trent McDuffie played a massive role in their success but he was still slighted in the latest cornerback rankings.

Jared Dubin of CBSSports ranked his top 20 cornerbacks in the NFL heading into the 2024 season.

On that list, he has McDuffie at No. 5, behind Charvarius Ward (4), Jalen Ramsey (3), Patrick Surtain II (2), and Sauce Gardner (1).

You can't argue the top two spots but McDuffie has a real argument to be placed within the top 3.

The Washington product took his game to the next level in 2023, logging career-highs in total tackles (80), forced fumbles (5), and sacks (3) with seven pass deflections.

The 23-year-old lined up in the slot but also moved to the outside when needed. He thrived in whatever spot he played and was a key factor for the Chiefs.

According to PFF, McDuffie had an 84.8 defensive grade last season, which was fourth among corners. The aforementioned Ward was right behind him with an 84.7 grade but Ramsey was way down at No. 57 with a grade of 65.6.

In the postseason, McDuffie only gave up 11 receptions on 25 targets for 147 yards and one score. His sticky coverage was a main component in their exceptional postseason run.

His excellent play certainly warrants him being ranked as a top 3 player in his position.

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