Ravens Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for Baltimore
By Justin Fried
5. Ravens draft target: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
Cornerback may not be the position that most expect the Ravens to target early in the 2022 NFL Draft, but it shouldn’t be discounted either. Especially given how talented this year’s cornerback class looks on paper.
With much of the attention undoubtedly on guys like Derek Stingley Jr., Kaiir Elam, Andrew Booth Jr., and Ahmad Gardner, one player who has been overlooked is Washington’s Trent McDuffie.
Washington has produced an abundance of excellent defensive back talent in recent years. Look no further than Ravens star Marcus Peters for proof of that.
McDuffie has a chance to be next-in-line in a long list of standout former Huskies cornerbacks. And he very well might hear his name called on Day 1, even given the presence of the others mentioned above.
At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, McDuffie is a versatile, explosive athlete who can play both outside and in the slot. What he lacks in size he makes up for with an unrelenting motor, outstanding ball skills, and next-level athleticism.
He’s drawn comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Tre’Davious White and it’s easy to see why. And even though the Ravens don’t have a glaring need at cornerback, McDuffie could still be a worthwhile future investment.
McDuffie could give the Ravens future insurance in the slot with Tavon Young entering the final year of his contract, and he could serve the same role with Marcus Peters only under contract for one more year.
Don’t rule out the Ravens taking advantage of this deep cornerback class.