Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Trent McDuffie spoke with reporters after practice on Saturday, breaking down the difference between playing inside vs. outside at the cornerback position.
“Yeah, outside, I feel like there’s a little bit more man-to-man, a little more going against the receiver. Don’t really worry too much about your eyes when it comes to running and stuff like that,” said McDuffie, “Where, nickel, you’re pretty much a glorified linebacker, you definitely gotta play man to man, the slot, but your eyes have to be really disciplined.”
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Since being selected No. 21 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, McDuffie has established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks playing on the inside.
“There are a a little more things you have to look at, because I’m inside the defense now, you’re on the outside seeing the big picture. So definitely a lot more studying when it comes to inside,” said McDuffie, “But both positions, I think, especially in this defense, you can do a lot, corners, you’re still gonna play man, still play zone, do the same thing, nickel, it’s just how you make the field.”
McDuffie’s career continues to evolve to new heights yearly as the team’s top cornerback. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and a second-team selection in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs DB Trent McDuffie describes playing inside vs. outside