Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Trae Waynes (Michigan St.) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #11 by MIN


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Trae Waynes (2015 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

  • Name: Trae Waynes
  • College: Michigan State
  • Position: Cornerback
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 186 lbs

Overview:

Trae Waynes emerged as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2015 NFL Draft after a standout career at Michigan State. Known for his speed, agility, and coverage skills, Waynes was a key player in the Spartans' secondary, helping lead the team to significant success during his time in college.

Strengths:

  • Speed: Waynes possesses elite straight-line speed, allowing him to keep up with fast receivers.
  • Man Coverage Skills: He has shown the ability to effectively shadow receivers in one-on-one situations.
  • Ball Skills: Waynes has demonstrated solid ball skills, often making plays on the ball when it is in the air.
  • Tackling: He is a willing tackler, capable of stepping up in run support and making solid tackles.

Weaknesses:

  • Physicality: While he is a decent tackler, he can be outmuscled by larger receivers at times.
  • Zone Coverage: There are questions about his effectiveness in zone coverage schemes compared to man coverage.
  • Experience: Limited experience against top-tier competition in college could be a concern for some teams.

Draft Projection:

Waynes was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His impressive workouts and performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as one of the top cornerbacks available.

Conclusion:

Trae Waynes was viewed as a highly talented cornerback with the potential to become a starter in the NFL. His combination of speed, coverage ability, and tackling made him a valuable asset for teams in need of help in the secondary.