2013 NFL Draft: Desmond Trufant Scouting Report
Prospect Name: Desmond Trufant
College: Washington
Position: CB
Height: 6’0”
Weight:190
40 yard dash: 4.38
Desmond Trufant is the latest Trufant brother (Marcus-Seahawks, Isaiah- Jets) to enter the NFL, and many believe that Desmond may be the most talented. A 47 game starter at Washington, Trufant excelled in all four years and has had a terrific offseason leading up to the draft. Trufant has established himself as a first round pick and could possibly be the second cornerback taken off the board behind Dee Milliner.
Strengths
Solid in man and zone. Runs with receivers very well with very fluid hips and transitions. Fast enough to stay toe to toe with fastest receivers vertically. Good agility and change of direction. Has elite speed but has great physicality as well. Four year starter and succeeded on island most of the time. Never takes a play off and shows intelligence and instincts perpetually. Had a terrific Senior Bowl week standing out in practices in addition to a great combine which is raising his stock. Leader and motivator at Washington; true team guy.
Weaknesses
It’s hard to find weaknesses in Trufant’s game which speaks to how solid of a prospect he is. If you had to give a potential weakness, one could look to his low interception total, but that’s more so a reflection of teams avoiding him and not throwing to his side of the field. Trufant’s ability to tackle in the open field is not elite but certainly is serviceable.
Overall
Trufant is a solid prospect all around. A lot of positives. Looks the part- fast, strong, fluid, physical, leader, and much more. Everything you want in a corner. Can fit with any team in different schemes. Stock only rising with his Senior Bowl and Combine performance. Played well against best opponents and the best competition avoided him.
Draft Projection: Mid to late first round pick
NFL Player Comparison: Mike Jenkins
Good fits: Miami Dolphins (#12); Tampa Bay Buccaneers (#13)
