Washington Huskies Football: Desmond Trufant In Mock Drafts
By Evan Webeck
Nov. 23, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Teondray Caldwell (34) tries to break the tackle of Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
As the months have passed, it seems as though Desmond Trufant just continues to impress teams and rise in mock drafts. After an impressive four year career with the Huskies, Trufant was considered a fringe first round pick, but confirmed his first round status with a great showing at the NFL Combine. There were doubts about his speed would affect his ability to cover No. 1 receivers, but after running a 4.38 second 40-yard dash, he silenced the critics.
Since the combine, Trufant has continued to rise, as he is even being considered by some teams in the top-10. I recently did an interview with The Pewter Plank, the Buccaneers Fansided site, about Trufant and the possibility of Tampa Bay using the 13th pick on him.
Let’s take a look at some of the mock drafts around the internet and see where the experts expect him to land. He’s a consensus first round pick, with many projecting him to the Bucs, Falcons or Patriots
ESPN Todd McShay (4.0) – 21 – Cincinnati Bengals
"Scouts I’ve talked to are also impressed with his professional demeanor, and the bottom line is that teams can never have enough good cover guys in today’s pass-happy NFL."
ESPN Mel Kiper (4.0) – 19 – New York Giants
"In Trufant, you get a player who will make your secondary better regardless of where the needs are, because Trufant can do it all. Slot or outside, man or zone, you’re going to get an effective talent."
CBS Sports (Eight experts) – Average: 20.125, Highest: Tampa Bay (13), Lowest: Atlanta (30)
"Physical and fights for the ball when it’s in the air, showing an excellent competitive nature. Doesn’t shy from contact and will get his nose dirty in run support."
NFLMocks.com (FanSided) – 23 – Minnesota Vikings
"With the release of Antoine Winfield the Vikings need some talent at the CB position. Trufant showed at the combine he has the speed to keep up with WRs in the NFL."
WalterFootball.com – 30 – Atlanta Falcons
"The Falcons are really hurting in two areas: defensive end and cornerback…Trufant fills a need and happens to be one of the top players available."
BleacherReport.com – 29 – New England Patriots
"Even after re-signing Aqib Talib, it’s been clear for a few years now that the secondary in New England is vulnerable. Bill Belichick has done well rebuilding the front seven, but adding a player like Trufant should help to bolster the secondary."
DraftCountdown.com – 30 – Atlanta Falcons
"Reinforcements are needed and Washington’s Desmond Trufant would be a nice choice at this point…Trufant is extremely athletic with a prototypical blend of size and speed as well as an aggressive temperament and confident mindset."
With the news that draft invites were sent out last week, we know the draft is quickly approaching. In 18 days, we will know where Trufant will continue his football career. In those 18 days, he’ll continue to work on improving his draft stock and maybe sneak into the top-10. Either way, he’ll be missed at Washington.