With the deadline for NFL Draft entries quickly approaching, Michigan State Spartans cornerback Trae Waynes officially declared his intentions to forgo his final season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.
According to ESPN Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Waynes is the 23rd best prospect in the entire draft class and should be selected in the first round. During his junior campaign, Waynes broke up eight passes to go along with three interceptions and 43 tackles.
“Once we got the feedback from the NFL, I talked about things with the coaches and my family, and ultimately decided this is what I wanted to do,” Waynes said in a statement. “I have never really paid attention to pre-draft player rankings. In fact, I wasn’t even aware that some draft analysts had me rated as the No. 1 corner. So I didn’t make my decision based on those ratings, I made it because I have an opportunity to pursue my dream to play pro football.”
The All-American and All-Big Ten first team selection ended his career in stylish fashion, with the Spartans engineering an amazing come-from-behind win against the Baylor Bears in the Cotton Bowl last week. Head coach Mark Dantonio may have to replace his top two defensive players as Waynes may be joined by teammate and defensive end Shilique Calhoun, who is yet to make his decision. Dantonio was extremely adamant that Waynes is an NFL caliber defender and could be a major asset for whichever team that chooses him.
“Trae is a lock-down corner, who played an important role in our success the last two years,” Dantonio said about his star corner. “He’s an excellent press corner, who’s often been isolated against our opponent’s top wide receiver. He has great deep-ball judgment and the ability to tackle in space. Physically, Trae has length and great make-up speed.”
*Section Photo credit to Jeff Gross, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Mike Carter, USA Today Sports
