Trae Waynes Posts Impressive Combine
By Andrew Eisch
Soon to be drafted in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft, Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is now being considered as the top cornerback in this year’s draft.
Waynes, who spent his three seasons with the Michigan State Spartans, had a critical impact on the Spartan defense the past two seasons. In 2014, Waynes put together a resume filled with solid pass coverage, including three interceptions and eight pass deflections.
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Aside from his impact on the field, Waynes provided a show for scouts at the 2015 NFL Combine in Indianapolis this weekend. Waynes pushed up 19 reps of bench press giving him the fourth most at this year’s combine.
Similar to his bench press ability, Waynes was near the top of the list when it came to the 40 yard dash this weekend. On his second attempt, Waynes recorded a 4.31 40 yard dash, the quickest of all cornerbacks this season and was second throughout the whole combine, behind only JJ Nelson, who ran a 4.28.
Waynes has been regarded as an early first round pick in April’s draft, but may have to stick around for the Miami Dolphins at pick number 14.
The Dolphins’ secondary, which is headlined by veteran Brent Grimes, is missing an essential cornerback to shut down the pass. With Cortland Finnegan aging, it would be smart for the Miami Dolphins to go with Trae Waynes with their 14th pick; if he makes it that deep. Waynes could be an essential piece to the aging Dolphins secondary with Grimes turning 31 in July.
With his impressive showing at the combine, the 6’0″ cornerback’s draft stock may be quickly climbing, possibly putting him within the first 10 selections of the draft.
The only negative when looking back at Waynes’ tape is how physical he is with the receiver. In the NFL with their adjustments on pass interference calls, Waynes will get beat up with penalty flags if he doesn’t adjust.
Despite his “hands-on” play on receivers, Waynes has the length and speed to keep up with some of the fastest wide receivers in the league, making him an intriguing prospect for the Dolphins come April.
Would you like to see the Dolphins draft Trae Waynes with the number 14 pick in this year’s draft, if still available?