2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating Trae Waynes’ Stock After Week 14
By Chris Ross
@DraftScout_NFL
Getty Images
Playing in the shadow 2014 first-round draft selection Darqueze Dennard in 2013, Trae Waynes has never received the attention his play has warranted. As one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, Waynes has been a shutdown corner all season long for Michigan State, and he has shown off legitimate NFL-caliber talent.
Waynes has a bright future ahead of him, and coming off another great game, his draft stock is on the rise.
Waynes has great ball skills and instincts for the cornerback position. He locates the ball quickly in the air, and his ability to battle for the ball at its highest point allows him to come down with a lot of interceptions. Also, standing at 6-foot-1, Waynes has ideal length for the position. With track-star speed, he can keep up with some of the fastest receivers in the nation. Waynes’ combination of ball skills and speed are special to see in a young corner.
That said, there are weaknesses is Waynes’ game that need to be fixed before he’s ready to shine at the next level. As a technician, Waynes can be very spotty, sometimes relying solely upon his athletic ability instead of using proper technique. Also, while he has ideal length, Waynes has a lanky build and needs to bulk up if he’s going to hold up at the NFL level. Both of those problems can be fixed, but it will take time.
Overall, Waynes is an even better cornerback prospect than his former teammate Dennard. He has the potential to be a very good corner for a very long time in the NFL.
Chris Ross is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter, @DraftScout_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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