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Michigan State Football: Trae Waynes part of Vikings’ future plans

By Connor Muldowney

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Vikings won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings in action during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Vikings won 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Despite a shaky start to his NFL career, former Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes has become a key figure in the Vikings’ defensive backfield.

One year after watching his defensive backfield mate, Darqueze Dennard, go in the first round to the Cincinnati Bengals, Trae Waynes worked hard to earn first-round status in the 2015 NFL Draft, going earlier than any Mark Dantonio player ever at the time — Jack Conklin has since changed that.

Must Read: MSU Football: Projected post-spring game depth chart

Waynes was selected No. 11 overall by the Vikings, a defensive-minded team with a loaded secondary. He spent his first year learning behind the veterans, like many rookies do, and he was given a bigger role in 2016, notching 47 total tackles with 11 passes defended and three interceptions.

Still, some were quick to throw the word ‘bust’ around since he wasn’t a secured NFL starter as an early first-round pick, but that changed in 2017.

The Vikings became one of the best teams in the NFL led by an elite defense and Waynes started each game at cornerback, finishing with 65 total tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions. He was an integral piece on the defensive side of the ball and worked his way to the top of the depth chart.

Minnesota had a big decision to make after the Vikings were bounced from the playoffs, though. Would they exercise Waynes’ 2019 option or let him walk? On Monday, they decided to exercise his option, keeping him on board through 2019 where he will earn a base salary of $9 million.

Waynes has a future in this defensive backfield, especially if the 25-year-old continues to improve at the rate he has through three years. He could be one of the top cornerbacks in the NFC.

Next: Top 10 NFL Draft picks of Mark Dantonio era

Kirk Cousins signed with Minnesota this offseason so two Spartans will be leading important positions on both sides of the ball.

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