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NFL Draft results 2015: Minnesota Vikings take Trae Waynes with No. 11 pick

By Luke Dahlgren

January 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) intercepts a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) intercepts a pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Minnesota Vikings entered into the draft looking to build around quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and shore up their secondary and run defense. With DeVante Parker on the board, it seemed highly possible that the Vikings would try to reunite Bridgewater with his best target at Louisville.

Instead, the Vikings decided to take the defensive back from Michigan State. Waynes will pair with Harrison Smith in the Vikings’ secondary.

Trae Waynes is the most skilled defensive back in man coverage available in the draft. Waynes excels at making plays while the ball is in the air, and will generally win during jump ball situations. Despite the fact that his frame is slender, he is deceptively strong and does well against bigger receivers in press coverage. He does have a tendency to be overly aggressive, and will be called for far more defensive pass interference and illegal contact penalties that what was called on him at Michigan State.

The Vikings decided that rather than try to fight fire with fire and keep up with the offenses of the Packers, Lions and (ahem) Bears, they would try to fight fire with water and shut them down.

Now the Browns go onto the clock, and nose tackle Danny Shelton is still available to a run defense that was the worst in the league.

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