Steelers draft: Breaking down the top-4 cornerback options in the NFL Draft

CB Trent McDuffie

Trent McDuffie is one of the more popular picks that I’ve seen mocked to the Steelers for the 2022 draft. Trent is a very versatile corner who is said to fit any scheme as well as play on the inside or outside. Unlike the first two, McDuffie is 5′ 11″, making him an average-sized NFL corner.

There isn’t anything average about his talent and play though, he is a very good athlete who can help aid the Steelers with the passing game but also the running game. When helping stop runs, he plays hard and fast and when playing the pass he can use his quickness to stay close to the receiver and he is rarely out of position.

According to Drae Harris of The Draft Network, he seems to check all of the boxes, excels in man coverage, and is good at running with short and medium routes. He plays zone coverage very well and knows who to cover when they enter his zone or he knows who needs help.

Although he isn’t a turnover machine, his balls skills are still very good and he uses his athletic traits to find ways to get his hands on the ball. He is a very aggressive tackler when playing the run and the Steelers need more of that, Minkah Fitzpatrick seemed to turn into more of a run-stopping safety and that worked out pretty well.

Drae Harris also thinks that Trent could be a very good special teamer, and the Steelers are always looking for ways to improve their special teams. His football IQ is high and with the way Pittsburgh has drafted cornerbacks in the past, I think Trent McDuffie would end up working out and I feel comfortable having spent the 20th overall pick on him.