The Minnesota Vikings are hoping to upgrade their pass defense. They drafted Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes with the 11th pick in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman had hinted the team would prefer to trade down from the pick. But after taking a few calls about a deal, Spielman decided to keep the choice and select Waynes.
The pick will give the Vikings a big physical cornerback on the outside opposite of Xavier Rhodes.
Harrison Smith, Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes…some young talent in that Vikings secondary. No doubt.
— Elliot Harrison (@HarrisonNFL) May 1, 2015
Waynes played in 36 games over three seasons at Michigan State, starting 27 of them. He was first-team All Big-Ten in 2014, a third team AP All-American, and a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award – which is presented to the country’s top defensive back.
#MINpick Trae Waynes, CB – Michigan State
2014 Third team AP All-American » http://t.co/aeyGAX6ZW0 #NFLDraft— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) May 1, 2015
Most experts believe Waynes has excellent size and length for a corner. He posted a 4.31 in the 40-yard dash. CBS Sports says he does an excellent job defending the deep ball.
Michigan State DC Harlon Barnett, former Viking, says Trae Waynes learning under former DB coach Mike Zimmer is a "great situation.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 1, 2015
#MINPick CB Trae Waynes. 3rd straight year Vikings go D w/ top pick. HC Zimmer impact- Finished 11th in scoring D. Inherited 32nd scoring D
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) May 1, 2015
After three straight years with multiple first round picks, the Vikings may actually be done in the first round. By taking Waynes at 11, Minnesota may not have enough picks to move back into the first round.
Rick Spielman doesn't think the #Vikings will be able to get back into the first round, especially since they didn't trade back from No. 11.
— Matt Vensel (@mattvensel) May 1, 2015
