How will Trae Waynes’ time with the Vikings be remembered?
By Dean Jones
Waynes’ career in Minnesota
Much was expected of Trae Waynes when he was selected 11th overall by the Vikings out of Michigan State in the 2015 NFL Draft.
He was used sparingly during his rookie campaign as he saw the field for just 18 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Despite this, Waynes still made an impression with 30 combined tackles and four pass deflections in 2015.
Things looked more promising for Waynes’ long-term prospects in 2016 after an increase in production. The cornerback recorded three interceptions, 11 pass deflections, and 50 total tackles on just 56 percent of the defensive snaps.
This filled the Vikings with plenty of encouragement that they had found the heir apparent to Xavier Rhodes. Waynes was rewarded with a starting position in 2017 and he performed up to expectations. He notched 60 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two picks during the season.
Waynes’ production took a dip in 2018, which coincided with a dramatic drop in Rhodes’ influence. He played in 14 games and attained 44 tackles, eight pass deflections, and just a single interception.
The extra responsibility that was forced on Waynes’ shoulders following Rhodes’ fall from grace was a shock to the system and one he did not fully adjust to. This same trend continued in 2019, which turned out to be his last in the famous purple and gold.
Waynes appeared in 14 games and played 71 percent of the defensive snaps last season. This resulted in 58 tackles, eight pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and an interception for the corner. Waynes struggled to cope on the outside for prolonged periods of the season, something that played a large role in the Vikings’ eventual demise.