2013 NFL Draft: Desmond Trufant Prospect Profile

Sept 3, 2011, Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) intercepts a pass intended for Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Brandon Kaufman (1) during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington defeated Eastern, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

University of Washington’s Desmond Trufant may very well be the best cornerback heading into the draft not named Dee Milliner. If the name sounds familiar it should, Trufant has two brothers who also play the position in the NFL (Marcus and Isaiah). It is apparently in his blood to play this sport and he is very accomplished on top of that. He will be expecting a call on day one.

Measurables:

Strengths:

The first thing that caught my attention on film is Trufant’s quick feet whether covering a receiver on an out route or reacting to a running play. He can turn quickly from a back pedal to a full sprint to stay with the receiver he is covering. As this will show and you will see on film he does not have tight hips, Trufant has great straight line speed. His performance in the 40 at the NFL Combine shows you he has great closing speed which can mask any coverage issues he may have at the next level. This also will allow him gain a bigger role on special teams as he can rush off the edge to block a field goal attempt as he did against USC.

More important than his speed would be his cover skills. Trufant has the ability to play press and off coverage at a high level. Even though he did not have a huge number of interceptions in his career (6), he plays the ball very well and breaks up his fair share of passes. Trufant has the ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point which does not allow the receiver to make a play on the ball. If the receiver does catch the ball he will attack the receiver’s arms to knock the ball loose.

Weaknesses:

Desmond Trufant has all the potential to be a shut-down corner but will need to work on his physicality and strength. As you can see on the film he has issues with knocking the bigger receivers off their routes. Engaging with the receiver in the first five yards is a problem for Trufant, increasing his lower body strength will help with jamming the receiver.

Even though he has no issues with taking onblockers, Trufant has issues with shedding bigger blockers which is an issue with upper body strength. This is not a big problem because he can increase strength in the weight room. In space Trufant does have poor tackling technique, often times he is diving at the feet or lowering his head not watching the ball carrier he is attempting to take down. As is the issue with most defensive backs at the college level, he tried to arm tackle or go for the big highlight reel hit.

Projection:
Desmond Trufant will make an immediate impact on the defense and special teams units in the NFL. With his ability to bait the quarterback into throws, he can create turnovers by intercepting the ball or tipping it to a teammate. You can expect a team to take him in the mid to late first round.

Grade: 8.5