One Chiefs rookie could be the perfect replacement for Trent McDuffie. Here’s how
Replacing All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie is no small task for the Kansas City Chiefs. But they recently drafted a corner who already aspires to follow in his footsteps.
The Chiefs selected Oregon cornerback Jadon Canady in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, with pick No. 109 overall, about a week ago. He was the second corner the Chiefs drafted this year — KC moved up to nab LSU’s Mansoor Delane at No. 6 in Round 1.
Canady was the only drafted rookie to receive from the Chiefs the same number he wore in college — No. 22. He’ll wear that number for the Chiefs — also McDuffie’s old number — in the wake of McDuffie’s departure to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.
Canady and McDuffie have several other things in common, too: Both are products of former Pac-12 schools (McDuffie went to Washington); both stand around 5-foot-10 (McDuffie has a slight edge at 5-11); and each can play various roles in the secondary.
Because of their similar height, Canady has even looked to model his game after McDuffie’s.
“Just take things from his game and form into my own,” Canady told reporters on Saturday.
The 22-year-old ended his college career at Oregon after stops at Tulane and Ole Miss. He believes playing for multiple defenses has been beneficial, too. As for who besides McDuffie he’s looked to for inspiration, he said, “guys my size.”
“Because, like, obviously, watching somebody (who is) 6-2 won’t help me,” he said.
McDuffie’s versatility and coverage skills have made him a top NFL cornerback, the highest-paid defensive back in the league’s history. The Chiefs are looking for Canady to play a similar, versatile role ... and he’s prepared to do it.
In a new-look Chiefs cornerbacks room with Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams, Delane and free-agent signees Kaiir Elam and Kader Kohou, Canady is eager to play his part on the field.
“Personally, I’m good, comfortable, you know, at corner, free (safety), or being nickel,” he said. “But (I’m) just seeing how Coach (Steve Spagnuolo) and Coach (Andy) Reid ... will use me this year.”
Canady has played for two head coaches with KC roots: Shawnee Mission Northwest alum Willie Fritz (former Tulane head coach, now head coach at Houston) and Richmond High/William Jewell alum and Oregon head coach Dan Lanning.
Canaday said he didn’t hear from Fritz on draft night, but he did receive some excited words from the Ducks’ Lanning, a longtime Chiefs fan.
“He was the first phone call I got,” Canaday said. “Just saying how happy he was just for me playing up for his home team. And he’s definitely thrilled, for sure.”
