Name: Trae Waynes
College: Michigan State
Class: JR
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 185
Background/Character | Leadership: 9 | Experience: 9 | Off-the-Field: 9 |
| Mental Capacity: 9 | Mental Toughness: 9 | Durability: 8 |
Trae Waynes was a two-year letterman for the Michigan State defense that usually shies away from playing young players. Waynes is a tough-minded player that embraced higher competition and difficult assignments throughout his career. He does have some injury concerns with his leg.
Final Grade: 8.83
Athleticism | Balance: 9 | C.O.D: 8 | Explosiveness: 8 |
| Flexibility: 9 | Coordination: 9 | Body Type: 8 |
Waynes is an impressive athlete that can cover most routes without issue. He’s got excellent downfield speed and able to turn and run with any receiver. His agility isn’t elite, but certainly good enough to cover comebacks and sharp cutting routes. Has a good vertical leap in jump ball routes.
Final Grade: 8.5
Overall | Football IQ: 9 | QB Vision: 8 | Tackling: 8 |
| Range: 8 | Hit Power: 7 | Physicality: 8 |
One area where Waynes struggles to win is with his physicality. His smallish frame may be maxed out already, so his lack of bulk shows downfield against bigger receivers, and again when defending the run. Waynes is a willing run defender and works to play the ball carrier. His attitude is certainly a positive.
Final Grade: 8
Coverage Talent | Body Control: 9 | Ball Skills: 9 | Lateral Quicks: 8 |
| Hip Fluidity: 10 | Turn & Run: 10 | Closing Speed: 8 |
While in coverage, Waynes shows great ball awareness after exhibiting a solid backpedal and excellent fluidity. His ability to turn and run with receivers downfield is elite. He accomplishes this by staying low and balanced, then exploding downfield when he reads the route of the receiver. His short area quickness is above average, and he uses it to break up passes or intercept the ball at the last second.
Final Grade: 9
Coverage Technique | Press Technique: 9 | Zone Drops: 9 | Timing: 9 |
| Hand Usage: 8 | Footwork: 10 | Positioning: 9 |
Since he’s played in a complex coverage scheme like Michigan State, Waynes has proven that he communicates well and understands pre- and post-snap concepts. His footwork is excellent, always below his hips and staying in position to play the ball. Hand use and press technique can improve, but it is good.
Final Grade: 9
| Player Comparison: | Kareem Jackson |
| Projected Draft Position: | 1st Round |
| Best Scheme Fit: | On-man/Cover 3 |
| Injury History: | Multiple leg injuries |
| Career Accolades: | First-Team All-Big Ten |
| Career Stats: | 101 tackles, 12 INTs, 25 PDs |
Final Analysis
Trae Waynes was the best defensive back for a team loaded with solid secondary options. He has decent size, but his lack of bulk could be an issue if he can’t add muscle. Waynes has a terrific ability to mirror receivers with great footwork, then transition to a turn and run downfield.
He likes to play physically downfield, which is fine because of his knack for finding the ball mid-air. This will help him avoid penalties. He plays the ball pretty well, but he drops a few due to body catching. For the most part, his game is as a great cover corner with ball skills. He creates interceptions but he’s more likely to lock down part of the field for stretches of the game. He’s very good at transitioning from backpedal and exploding back to the ball on comebacks and curls.
At worst, Waynes should be able to play the boundary extremely well as a number two corner with his ability to pin receivers to the sideline and play the ball. Best scenario should see Waynes as a solid top cornerback. If he can add more bulk to his frame he should reach that ceiling.
Final Grade: 8.65 - 1st Round Value