2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Board 6 – 10

Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Alonzo Moore (82) attempts to make a sideline catch against Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes (15) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MSU won 27-22. Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Trae Waynes, CB

College team: Michigan State

Size: 6′ 0″, 186 lbs.

Speed: 40yd-4.31, 10yd-1.53

Measurements: Arms-31″, Hands-8 and 1/4″

Trae Waynes solidified his status as the top defensive back in the draft with an amazing 4.31 second time in the 40 yard dash at the combine. Top end speed is important for a cover CB and Waynes had the fastest time among all defensive backs. He follows in the footsteps of other great defensive backs at Michigan State.

Waynes will be the first defensive back drafted in 2015. Cornerbacks are always in need in the NFL. He will be selected somewhere between seventh and fifteenth.

Waynes is a tough man to man cover CB

Strengths:

In addition to his excellent speed, Waynes has good length for a CB. He does a great job of using his size to give him an advantage over receivers. Waynes is a tough man to man cover CB and can dominate receivers when he is on his game.

Waynes’ toughness shows in his run support. He is very physical and a good tackler. Waynes’ is a fluid runner and is able to change directions quickly to maintain his coverage.

Weaknesses:

Waynes has a tendency to play too physical with his hands on receivers. He will have to learn to keep his hands off after one bump and 5 yards in the NFL to avoid penalties. Waynes had nine penalties in his final two seasons at MSU compared to only 2 TDs surrendered.

Waynes needs to add strength to his slender build. Although he is able to play tough with his light frame, he will face much stronger receivers in the NFL. He also needs work on staying low in his drops as he is too upright and would get torched by NFL receivers doing that.

Waynes would not be the ideal slot CB

Redskins fit:

Waynes is like a faster, taller Bashaud Breeland. If he can adapt well to the NFL as Breeland has, he will be a #1 CB and could end up one of the top 5 in the league by his third season. Waynes will of course have to study film like Breeland has if he wants to be the best CB he can be.

If the Redskins trade down, Waynes becomes a serious possibility to be drafted by them. Waynes could end up taking a starting CB job by his second season. Waynes would not be the ideal slot CB but with that being the Redskins major need in the defensive backfield, he may have to learn that position first as a rookie.

Next: Number 9 - Redskins Draft Prospect