Chiefs star CB Trent McDuffie is finally in the NFL Top 100 but isn’t ranked as high as many would expect.
The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of high-profile players, and not just on the offensive side of the ball. In addition to defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback Trent McDuffie has established himself as a premier talent.
McDuffie’s arrow, in particular, is undoubtedly pointing upwards. That was made evident by his inclusion in the NFL’s “Top 100 Players of 2025” list but at the same time, it served as a subtle reminder that he deserves even more respect.
McDuffie checks in at 81st overall this summer, as voted by his peers.
Getting the good out of the way: McDuffie’s opponents do acknowledge his talent. Even in-division rivals like Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James can do so.
“He’s a lockdown corner in this league,” James said, per the NFL’s video for McDuffie. “They move him around. He’s in the slot, he’s outside. McDuffie can kind of do everything.”
The NFC sees it, too. Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson believes the Chiefs’ scheme is a great fit for McDuffie’s style.
“They do a lot of press, so I think he’s really aggressive at the press point,” Johnson said. “Gets his hands on receivers and is really disruptive in the very beginning. He definitely challenges guys the right way and plays the game the right way with the right intensity.”
Coming off a first-team All-Pro berth in 2023 and a second-team nod in 2024, McDuffie is more than justifying his 21st overall NFL Draft slot from a few years ago. This past season, considering the combination of circumstances and production, may have been his best. After the Chiefs shipped L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, it was McDuffie and several unproven players in the secondary. He responded by surrendering just an 82.9 passer rating in coverage with 13 passes broken up.
One potentially fatal flaw might be the culprit here, though. McDuffie has only two interceptions in 53 combined regular-season and playoff starts. If he had more, it’s hard to see him not having a higher ranking than 81st.
“Watching him, I would want him to get some more interceptions,” Johnson said. “I know he feels the same way.”
