Vikings upgrade secondary by choosing CB Trae Waynes
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The Minnesota Vikings have selected cornerback Trae Waynes out of Michigan State with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Waynes will form a quietly strong cornerback pairing alongside former first-round pick Xavier Rhodes. The Michigan State product does an excellent job of forcing wide receivers to beat him to the inside out of the field, and takes away the outside much akin to Seattle Seahawks star Richard Sherman.
The 22-year-old will be allowed to take plenty of risks in the Vikings' system with safety Harrison Smith being able to clean up mistakes, and due to the fact that Waynes sports excellent closing speed and acceleration. Waynes will be able to square off against larger receivers due to his strong leaping ability.
Waynes seldom gets beat on deep routes and won't give up too many plays. On a young and upcoming Vikings' defense, Waynes may be one of the final pieces in Minnesota's quest to shut down Green Bay and Detroit's torrent passing offenses.
Trae Waynes Bio
Position: CB
School: Michigan State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186 lbs.
Age: 22
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.31 sec |
| Bench Press | 19 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 38 inches |
| Broad Jump | 122 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.06 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.39 sec |
Strengths
- Does an excellent job forcing receivers to beat him inside.
- Excellent closing speed and acceleration. Can recover against wide receivers even if he's a step behind.
- Has the ability to lock down larger receivers due to excellent leaping ability, speed and physicality at line of scrimmage.
- Seldom gets beat on deep routes.
Weaknesses
- Will rely on his speed to track the ball at the last possible moment, missing key interception chances.
- Struggles as a downfield tackler, relying on safeties and linebackers to approach ball-carriers first.
- Doesn't turn hips well and will get beat on slant routes at the NFL level.
- Will be penalized often in the pros by remaining physically engaged with receivers downfield.