Spending the majority of his NFL career as a No. 1 wide receiver, Davante Adams has faced all types of elite cornerbacks.
That sets a high bar to impress the NFL's leader in receiving touchdowns last season, but cornerback Trent McDuffie has managed to do just that.
During the first two weeks of Los Angeles Rams training camp at Loyola Marymount University, the two have squared off daily. Both have earned victories over the other in matchups Adams described as among the toughest challenges he has faced.
Davante Adams talks ability of Trent McDuffie
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"I can honestly say I don't know if I'll get a better look than what I get from Trent out there," Adams told reporters after practice this week. "I don't like putting big expectations, bulletin board material or any of that, but at the end of the day, I can't remember the last time I felt about another corner the way I feel about him. I say that because certain guys make plays because they fall into them. They have a certain feel for the ball, but Trent's out there doing something every single play. I don't know if you understand what I'm saying when I say that, but some guys, things happen, and you end up with the ball in your hand on defense, and that's how it happens."
The six-time Pro Bowler continued his praise for McDuffie, calling the cornerback's football IQ and technique two of his best traits.
"He's got a great way of reading you out. He understands his position on any given play, whether it's his leverage or, situationally — a smart player and great technique. I don't want to gas him up too much and have everybody thinking he's going to win MVP this year, but I'm really happy with what I see. It's the epitome of iron sharpens iron."
The Rams acquired McDuffie early this offseason, sending the Kansas City Chiefsfour draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder, to complete the blockbuster trade before making the 25-year-old the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
The one-on-one battles have been among the most interesting things to watch during camp, and they're preparing Adams to face other elite cornerbacks this season as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Puka Nacua. The reps are proving just as valuable for McDuffie, sharpening him for future matchups against top-tier wideouts as the Rams' top cornerback.
