The Vikings are expecting a lot from rookie cornerback Trae Waynes, which since he was selected by the team with the 11th overall pick in the first round of this year’s draft is probably to be expected.
Still, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer thinks he may have given Waynes a bit more than the rookie can handle, when he tasked the first-year corner with taking the responsibilities in the slot.
It’s been a rough first two weeks of preseason for Waynes. He picked up three pass interference penalties in the Vikings first preseason game against Pittsburgh, and ESPN notes Waynes was beaten on a pair of big plays last week against Tampa Bay.
Zimmer said he and Waynes spent time watching film together this week from their first two preseason games.
Zimmer said he also sat down and watched film with Trae Waynes. Said Waynes won't play nickel this week so he concentrate on one thing.
— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) August 20, 2015
“Some things, he improved on, and some things, he didn’t improve as much,” Zimmer told reporters. “He’s improved his technique a lot, and now there are some other areas. It’s like every player. We’ve got to work on different areas where we can keep improving him.”
Zimmer admitted that he maybe has been a bit too overzealous with Waynes, so for Minnesota’s preseason game against Oakland on Saturday, Zimmer said they will let Waynes “concentrate on one thing,” – meaning he won’t play nickelback.
But even with the struggles from the rookie, Pro Football Talk notes Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards believes Waynes is on the right course.
Edwards adds that all it will take is a little patience and some continued learning.
