Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer pleasantly surprised some folks around the NFL when he coached up Minny's secondary to a top 10-pass defense and the Vikings finished 7-9 overall last season. Although second-year quarterback Teddy Bridegwater (rightfully) gets most of the headlines, first-round rookie cornerback Trae Waynes is another intriguing player to keep your eye on as Minnesota hopes to build on what they starter in 2014.
Although Waynes is talented, Zimmer is taking his time with the young cornerback.
"The Minnesota Vikings' plan for Trae Waynes has suggested they are in no major rush to put the cornerback on the field during the first weeks of his rookie season," ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling wrote. "They've exposed the 11th overall pick to multiple cornerback positions in Mike Zimmer's defense, seeking to impart versatility and a broad understanding of the scheme to Waynes, and they signed Terence Newman to start outside at left cornerback, rather than rush Waynes."
Possessing enough talent to be a top 15 pick is great, but it doesn't guarantee you anything at this level. Not even the avoidance of growing pains. Waynes was flagged three times in Minnesota's first preseason game Sunday night. The first flag came when he was beat on a double move from Shakim Phillips 35-yards down the field. The next series saw Waynes draw a 38-yard pass interference penalty.
Waynes knows his sub 4.5 40-yard speed will be an asset in the NFL. But he can't rely on it too often at the expense of playing smart football. Once he is able to put everything together, the Vikings will boast two young and long armed corners with Waynes and Harrison Smith.
It may take some time to get there, but Minnesota is on the verge of being a serious threat in the NFC North.
