2. He was projected by many to be a much higher selection.
The draft often presents curveballs that lead to deviations from the consensus projections, and McDuffie’s availability at pick No. 21 is a prime example. In fact, the majority of draft experts predicted that McDuffie would be selected within the first 15 picks.
He was the No. 11 overall player (and No. 2 cornerback) available in this year’s class according to Pro Football Focus, the No. 12 overall player (and No. 2 cornerback) according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and the No. 14 overall player (and No. 3 cornerback) according to NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah. With those rankings in mind, it simply wasn’t realistic to expect McDuffie to be available when Kansas City made their pick. Chiefs’ General Manager Brett Veach said as much following Round 1, and it’s why he felt motivated to move up from No. 29 to No. 21.
“With our first pick – it’s a little funny – every year, we go through what we think is every scenario possible….