2015 NFL Draft Profile: Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State
By Adam Carlson
Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is at his best when he’s covering a receiver in a man-to-man situation. He’s been a shutdown corner at the college level and allowed only 2 touchdowns in his last two years at Michigan State. He has a smaller frame, but uses it well in bump-and run situations.
Much like Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes relied a lot on being physical at the college level. In fact, NFL.com as his major weakness listed as “Grab, grab, grab!” He will need to adjust his play like Rhodes has to the NFL so that he doesn’t draw a ton of penalty flags. This is why it’s important for him to go to a team that can help him alter his game to fit in to the NFL.
Trae Waynes improved his stock even more at the NFL Combine. He was a top performer in the 40 yard dash and the bench press. His display of strength was good because one of the knocks on Waynes is his lanky body and lack of bulk. While he could still get bigger, the combine showed that he doesn’t lack the strength needed to play the position.
Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) during warmups before the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 186 pounds
- Arm Length: 31″
- Hand Size: 8.25″
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.31 seconds
- Bench Press: 19 reps
- Vertical Jump: 38″
- Broad Jump: 122″
- 3 Cone Drill: 7.06 seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.39 seconds
Draft Projection
Trae Waynes is currently the #13 overall prospect according to CBSSports.com and the #1 cornerback in the 2015 NFL draft class.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: Antonio Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals)
- CBSSports.com: Kyle Fuller (Chicago Bears)
Fit For The Vikings
The Vikings will be looking for a starting caliber cornerback to operate opposite Xavier Rhodes. While Waynes doesn’t have the ideal height that the Vikings could be looking for, he plays much bigger than his size and could fill the need for the team.
My Take
If Trae Waynes is available at #11 overall, I wouldn’t be against selecting him. He’s got that kind of toughness and big play size that could really help in the tough NFC North. Since he’s undisputedly the top CB in this draft, the odds of him slipping to #11 could be bad. But if he does slide, expect the Vikings to heavily consider pulling the trigger on him.
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