In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2013 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 25th.
We continue the series with a scouting report of Washington cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Name: Desmond Trufant
School: Washington
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 190 LBS
Position: Cornerback
Photo Gallery: Desmond Trufant in action | More Photos
But regardless of his last name, Trufant’s talents on the field alone merit an early selection in April’s NFL Draft.
According to some scouts, his best asset may be his pure football intelligence. Some players have a knack for diagraming plays and possessing natural instincts, and Trufant is such a player. He’s able to play zone, man or press coverage, and that flexibility is a major asset. Throw in a strong build (6-foot-0, 190-pounds) and elite speed and you get a player who has made a strong impression on NFL decision makers.
Trufant also turned in a standout performance at the Scouting Combine. He finished third amongst all defensive backs by running a 4.38 40-yard dash, just two/one-hundredths of a second off the leading pace. He also posted the second quickest 20-yard shuffle as his 3.85 time finished only one/one-hundredth of a second behind the fastest time.
While he has strong ball skills, perhaps the biggest knock against Trufant is that he doesn’t have the best hands. He recorded just six interceptions in four years, including just one during his senior season.
Still, Trufant’s versatility and impressive overall skillset have him poised to be an early selection as one of the best cornerback prospects available this season.
Combine Metrics
40-yard Dash: 4.38
Bench Press: 16
Vertical Jump: 37.5 inches
Broad Jump: 125 inches
20-Yard Shuffle: 3.85
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers’ front office staff, coaches or executives.
