Chiefs’ Star CB Finally Cracks Exclusive List but Is Still Underrated

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.

Opponents Rave About Trent McDuffie but Lack of Interceptions Noted

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.”

McDuffie Tasked With Leading Chiefs’ Secondary Again in 2025

With that said, McDuffie’s profile extends far beyond interception totals.

His versatility, first and foremost, is excellent. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s split his career snaps between the boundary (1,529), slot (735), box (268) and on the defensive line (119). He’s an excellent pass rusher (No. 7 PFF grade in 2024) and a very good run defender (18th). There isn’t anything he can’t do in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

That includes simply putting receivers in a straitjacket in coverage. In the NFL’s story on McDuffie’s ranking, digital content producer Bobby Kownack used NFL Pro data for context. The volume of press-man snaps Johnson alluded to is confirmed. 2024 saw McDuffie line up fewer than three yards away from a wideout on nearly 64% of his snaps.

Despite the Chiefs bringing in Kristian Fulton in free agency and Jaylen Watson emerging as a quality piece, McDuffie is the go-to man in the secondary. That’s especially true with safety Justin Reid leaving town. In order for things to fall into place, the former first-round pick must not only be available but also performing at a high level. The defensive backfield goes as he goes – the case for the second season in a row.

McDuffie doesn’t even turn 25 years old until after the 2025-26 regular season kicks off. That No. 81 ranking should be higher. Luckily for him, he’ll likely only have to wait a year to soar up the list to a more fitting spot.