Grading every Chiefs first-round pick during Brett Veach’s tenure
By Matt Conner
2022: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
It’s hard to believe that Brett Veach’s first successful first-round pick that was used as an actual first-round pick was just last year. Veach decided to package a couple of mid-round picks to be able to move up from No. 29 overall to No. 21, which gave the Chiefs the draft position they needed to grab a top-tier cornerback in Trent McDuffie out of the University of Washington.
McDuffie entered the draft with a pro-ready resume, given his years of experience in the Pac-12 to go with Washington’s well-respected work with defensive backs. While McDuffie was just the latest such prospect, he also has the potential to be the best in a bright pipeline with the sort of dynamic instincts and responsive athleticism that made him a lockdown corner even in his first season.
Of course, it took a while for fans and the team to really see what McDuffie can do given the hamstring injury that robbed him of the first several starts of the year. But once McDuffie arrived and settled into the secondary with L’Jarius Sneed in the slot and Jaylen Watson on the other side, the Chiefs pass defense took things to a whole new level.
Quarterbacks this year will learn to steer clear of McDuffie, if they’re smart, which means the Chiefs will have an offense-limiting weapon roaming in the secondary for the next few years after making such a wise investment.
Grade: A