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(Lead photo: © Joe Nicholson | September 4, 2021)

The 2022 NFL Draft starts on Thursday in Las Vegas and a handful of prospects from California are projected to be taken over the three-day, seven-round draft. Ahead of Thursday, we're keying in on the likely first round picks from the Golden State. We began with Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and USC wide receiver Drake London. Now it's time to focus on Washington cornerback Trent McDuffie, a St. John Bosco High School graduate.

Trent McDuffie

Cornerback 5-11, 193, St. John Bosco High School 

The skinny: McDuffie was a first team All-PAC-12 selection last season after making 35 tackles and breaking up six passes. Opponents rarely threw his way in his junior season with the Huskies. McDuffie has developed a reputation as a tough and physical defensive player. The overall cornerback depth in this year's draft is down, which adds to McDuffie's allure. The St. John Bosco grad is strong in coverage and also excels in blitz packages. He's intercepted two passes in his college career and forced three fumbles.

What The Ringer's Danny Kelly says: "Stingy, lockdown cornerback who brings jitterbug quicks, instincts in coverage, and the ability to create problems as a blitzer."

Kelly's player comparisons: Casey Hayward

Where will McDuffie get picked?

Most mock drafts have McDuffie as a late first round selection. The worst case scenario for him is that he goes early in the second round, but that is unlikely due to the limited cornerback depth in the draft.