Washington Huskies: NFL mock draft consensus on Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon
Cornerback/ Nickelback, 6-0, 200 pounds
- Highest Draft Spot – Round 1, Arizona, 23rd overall.
- Lowest Draft Spot – Round 3, Seattle, 72nd overall.
- Most Common Draft Spot – Round 2, Seattle 41st overall.
Scouting Report
Another physically gifted athlete, Kyler Gordon, excelled in the Washington Huskies’ five defensive back scheme. He played mainly at nickelback but also saw time at corner in his four seasons at UW. Last year Gordon played in all 12 games and made 36 tackles (2 for loss) with two interceptions, seven passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Gordon has outstanding athleticism to go with good size and strength; he will wow scouts at the combine with his measurables. Those tools are an excellent base to start from as well as Gordon’s ability to stay “close to” or “close on” his man in coverage.
Half the battle is getting in position to make plays. Gordon has that down. Although he’s almost always in position, his consistency to finish needs work. Gordon misses too many tackles and should also be a better finisher than he is. But make no mistake, his talent covering the slot is as good as any DB in this class.
It may take a season or two for Gordon to develop into a starter.
Draft Prospectus 1.0
Of the 14 mock drafts we audited that included Gordon, Seattle at 41 was the only entry that showed up twice. The rest of his selections run the spectrum from late first round to early third round.
One of the more interesting selections was Gordon going in the first round to Arizona. The Cardinals already have Washington Huskies alums Budda Baker and Byron Murphy in their defensive backfield. Three Washington Dbs would say a lot about Arizona’s respect for players from UW.
The Huskies may have been on to something when they kicked him into the slot regularly the past two seasons. His short-area quicks play well there. That’s not to say he can’t play outside, but he may be a better fit inside.
Gordon has some of the best initial burst in the class and wins with that explosiveness in a number of ways. You see it in his play at the catch point and making up ground after route breaks. Pro Football Focus Draft Guide.
Related Story: Washington Huskies 2022 Signing Day wrap
Where do you think the two former University of Washington defensive backs will go in the NFL draft? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.