bnet

FindArticles > Sporting News, The > Sept 27, 2004 > Article > Print friendly

Marcus Trufant CB, Seahawks

STRENGTHS: Has excellent hip flexibility, doesn't lose much speed when forced to turn and run and is fast enough to stay with most receivers downfield. Lacks ideal height (5-11) but makes up for it with great leaping ability. Times his jumps well and is a fierce competitor who will fight for the ball in the air. Can change directions quickly, has excellent burst and can blanket receivers. Doesn't waste a lot of motion and shows great range in zone coverage. Reads quarterbacks' eyes and generally gets into position to make a play on the ball. Shows good concentration and is a playmaker in coverage. Will wrap up the ballcarrier and doesn't miss many open-field tackles.

WEAKNESSES: Can be overaggressive and occasionally gambles trying to make the big play. Lacks the second gear to recover when out of position. Doesn't have great size or power, won't muscle many receivers out of routes and can be shielded from the ball. Lacks the upper-body strength to shed blocks quickly and isn't great in run support.

BOTTOM LINE: Trufant experienced some growing pains as a rookie, and he will give up the occasional big play. But if he continues to progress as expected, he should be one of the NFL's better cover comers for years to come. --War Room scouts

COPYRIGHT 2004 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning