Trae Waynes 
Michigan State, CB
Height: 6.1
Weight: 187
Age: 23
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Athleticism: B
A very long, lean athlete who is more fluid than his size would indicate. Has very fluid hips and underrated ability to mirror receivers off the line. Long speed is less than ideal but is still plays fast enough to play man coverage on an island. Has some burst and shows very good range in pursuit to go from sideline to sideline. Doesn’t close well on plays in front of him, which limits his effectiveness in zone coverage somewhat.
Coverage: B+
Excellent man cover corner who can play zone as well. Able to stay in the back pocket of his receiver and plays tight coverage in man. Uses the sideline in coverage to keep receivers from separating. Opens up his hips off the line of scrimmage too often and will get exploited underneath as a result. Gives too much cushion initially when he plays off and appears to be masking a slight speed deficiency in the vertical game. Is slow to click and close on plays underneath and doesn’t transition well downfield.
Physicality: A-
Effective jamming and redirecting receivers at the line in press coverage, and will steer defenders into the sideline. Is extremely physical in coverage, but gets called for holding and pass interference far too often and physicality can be a curse. Is very competitive and physical playing the run. Still green with his ability to get off of blocks in a timely manner, but is a fairly strong and consistent tackler for a defensive back. Gave up a costly play late against Nebraska when he failed to make a tackle at the line.
Ball Skills: C
Hands for the interception are well below average, but ball skills themselves are adequate. Will juggle and double catch the interceptions he does make and is by no means sure-handed or a sudden change player. Is competitive going after the football, however, and will fight for position and in the air to make a play on the ball. Gets his hands in to tip away would-be completions.
Instincts: C
Has good eyes in zone and is quick to diagnose the run. However, will get caught peaking in man coverage at times and will let the easy completion go over his head. A very confident defensive back who will gamble too often and needs to play with more discipline. Drew too many flags at the collegiate level and could draw even more in the pros with his style of play.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: A tall and lanky press corner, Trae Waynes is good athlete who requires some polish, but has the tools to develop into a top five corner in the NFL. Waynes would operate best primarily in man coverage, but his ability as a press corner can translate to zone coverage as well. If Waynes can get stronger and take to coaching he could become an excellent value pick in the mid- to late-first round a la Darrelle Revis, albeit to a slightly lesser extent.
Comparison: Joe Haden
Grade: 9.1 (1st Round)
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