Height: 5’11”
Weight: 195 pounds
2021 stats: 35 tackles, 6 passes defensed, 1.0 tfl
Key traits: Alpha mentality. Versatility to play slot corner, overhang safety, or outside corner. Smart blitzer. Loves to hit. Has an instant trigger and goes for the ball whenever he can. Disengages blocks really well despite often being blocked by bigger players. Comfortable around the line of scrimmage (3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries in his career). Fairly sticky when defending in man along the sideline. Holds his water against double moves. Disciplined in zone.
Ideal position: Slot (or boundary) cornerback
Potential draft spot: Round 2, Pick 45
Why he’d be a good fit: Very similar to Marcus Peters (6’0”, 197 pounds). Former Husky. Virtually identical in size. McDuffie should definitely be able to find a place to shine in Mike Macdonald’s system. He will likely move around a bunch, which can also help mitigate injuries. If Peters stays, the Ravens defensive backfield will be all the more strong. If he goes, McDuffie can step in and contribute immediately.
Cool side note: Named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year after Washington finished the season as the best pass defense in the nation.
Bottom line: While he didn’t have very good “ball production” at Washington (2 INT, 10 PD in 28 games), he plays like a Raven. My favorite player in this year’s draft.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.