Minnesota Vikings want Trae Waynes to take more chances
By Adam Carlson
Cornerback Trae Waynes is entering his second season with the Minnesota Vikings, and the team would like him to take more chances and be more aggressive.
Being a cornerback in today’s NFL is a huge challenge. Not only do you have to stop some of the best and biggest pass catchers every week, but transitioning from the college game to the professional level can be a huge shock.
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For example, when Trae Waynes made the jump from Michigan State University to the Minnesota Vikings after being the team’s first round selection in 2015, he had to learn to play a more hands-off style of coverage. This is a lot to absorb, but it also seemed to make the cornerback more tentative in jumping routes taking some more chances.
Defensive backs coach Jerry Gray has been pushing for Waynes to be more aggressive during this offseason according to an article on the 1500 ESPN website,
"“What I’ve tried to get him to understand is don’t be afraid to take more chances. So you have all that ability, use it more. Other than using it as a safe mechanism, use it more of a chance mechanism where it gives me a chance to go make plays. That’s what I want to see him do. Can you get out of that comfort zone and take that calculated risk to go make a play? I think that’s what’s going to be his next step.”"
Waynes seemed to steadily improve during his rookie season, even allowing him to show flashes of starter potential while playing in a reserve role. But Waynes is the kind of player who wants to keep improving and do what he can to help the team get better.
"“Last year there was a learning curve,” Waynes said. “I feel a lot more comfortable this year. I just want to keep progressing.”"
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Trae Waynes will return as part of one of the National Football League’s best defenses during the 2016 season when the Minnesota Vikings will move their home games to the billion-dollar U.S. Bank Stadium and hope to repeat as NFC North champions.