Norman: Desmond Trufant an elite CB, better than Patrick Peterson

Desmond Trufant is rarely mentioned among the league's top cornerbacks, but at least one of his peers believes the Atlanta Falcons veteran deserves more respect.

Josh Norman has elevated himself into the upper echelon of NFL corners over the past two seasons, and he said Friday that Trufant is poised to be the next breakout star at the position.

"Oh man, Trufant is a great cornerback," Norman told Vaughn McClure of ESPN. "He's a young guy coming up. I think he will be one of the top guys in the league here real soon, if he's not already. They don't put as much emphasis on his game.

"When they talk about (top) corners, they talk about four guys: myself, Darrelle Revis, Richard Sherman, and Pat (Peterson). He's better than Pat P, if you asked me, shoot. But yeah, (Trufant's) definitely in that conversation. He made the Pro Bowl, so why not? When that day comes, he's going to be one of the top guys in the league for a very long time."

Trufant's play in 2015 backs up Norman's assertion. The former first-round pick was thrown at a league-low 56 times and allowed just 32 receptions, the third-best mark in the league.

The 26-year-old was grateful for Norman's praise.

"It's all about respect," Trufant said. "That's what you play the game for - your peers respecting you. That's what it's really about. And he's obviously a great player. He had a hell of a year last year. He's a cool guy, so much respect to him as well."