As you have probably heard by now, the Minnesota Vikings selected Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes with the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Since the draft, Waynes has been making the rounds. He appeared on Vikings’ radio play-by-play man Paul Allen’s KFAN radio program, toured the construction of the new stadium and was introduced during a press conference Friday afternoon.
Waynes, who grew up in Wisconsin told reporters that it meant a lot to his family that he’s playing close to home.
“They’re going to be able to come to a lot of my games and not have to travel across the country to watch me play,” he said.
Despite growing up in Wisconsin, Waynes was clear that he wasn’t a Packers fan.
“It was really hard for me to be a fan of one team, because I liked so many different players,” he added.
Defensive backfield upgrade
The Vikings have made a major commitment to their defensive backfield since trading up to take Harrison Smith in the first round of the 2012 draft. According to ESPN, since that time they have spent a league-high three first-round picks on defensive backs.
The hope is like Smith and Xavier Rhodes, Waynes can fit the Vikings system.
What did Mike Mayock say about @TWaynes_15 joining the #Vikings? pic.twitter.com/vZrPz6LTZp
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Being from Michigan State, Waynes said he’s used to playing press man and bump-n-run, two things he’ll have to play a lot of with the Vikings and he knows going up against the big physical NFC North receivers will be a challenge – but one he’s looking forward to.
“I really got to get in the film room, especially with all those guys [in the NFC North],” said Waynes. “Going against great guys like that will make me a better player anyway.”
Waynes off-the-field
Still want to know more about the young corner? He conducted a Twitter Q&A with Vikings fans Friday afternoon, here are some of his answers to fan questions:
How did it feel to be drafted?
It was a very surreal feeling and a dream come true. https://t.co/iGiwNA9TaI
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Who do you look forward to lining up against?
My dawg Kevin White https://t.co/pLdPxXz3I5
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Now for the real important questions.
Favorite food?
Cookie Dough Ice Cream! https://t.co/ZLipPBa8ph
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Favorite sandwich?
A double cheeseburger from McDonalds https://t.co/ay6V9uyuGC
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Favorite video game?
I love to play with @Adreian_Payne and the @MNTimberwolves in NBA 2K on my PS4 #SpartanDawgs https://t.co/FMJ04im2VC
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
Favorite movie?
Pirates of the Caribbean https://t.co/9Svu76b5Aj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 1, 2015
