Vikings vs Bengals preseason week 1: 5 things to watch for

January 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28) is tackled by Team Irvin lineman Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals (97) during the first quarter of the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 9, 2015; Canton, OH, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes (26) looks on during the 2015 Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Watch for Trae Waynes

One of the most interesting stories for the Minnesota Vikings is the development of Trae Waynes. After being the team’s first round draft pick in 2015, his light usage during last season had many fans frustrated while they watched other rookie cornerbacks flourish.

However, last year Minnesota was in a position where they didn’t need him to jump into a role. During that time, veteran cornerback Terence Newman held down the spot while Waynes worked hard, studied film, and honed his craft.

For Friday, Waynes will get the start while Newman nurses an injury. This will pit him against starting caliber wide receivers and give fans a peek into just how much he has learned and developed over the offseason.

The hope is that Waynes can prove he is ready to be a starter and allow Newman to move around in the defense and limit the snaps of the soon to be 38-year-old cornerback to provide a stronger future for the defense.

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