It was Trae Waynes who helped Michigan State avoid an historic upset at home back in october against Nebraska when he intercepted Tommy Armstrong’s pass with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter to come away with a 27-22 victory.
With more than two weeks before the Spartans (10-2) take on No. 4 ranked Baylor (11-1), the Co-Big 12 conference champions, in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on New Year’s Day in Arlington, Texas, the junior has yet to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft, but some reporters are saying they expect Waynes to leave East Lansing a year early.
According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports, the cornerback appears to be a “lock” for the upcoming draft and should be taken off the board as early as the first-round.
Getlin reported that while Waynes hasn’t officially declared for the NFL, he has “met with agents in an effort to vet potential representatives.”
Recently named to the Associated Press All-American third team, Waynes is currently tied for second on the team with three interceptions, including two in their win over the Cornhuskers more than two months ago.
Waynes started in all 12 games this season, and recorded 43 tackles, including two for a loss, and seven passes defended.
In ESPN analyst Todd McShay’s latest NFL mock draft, he projects Waynes to be selected No. 20 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, the second defensive back to be selected in the first-round following junior safety Landon Collins of Alabama.
McShay says that the cornerback position is a need that the Eagles have to address and Waynes could fit their system right away.
“He has good length and speed for the corner position, and he's a sure tackler who isn't afraid to come up and assist in run support,” McShay said. “His field awareness is very impressive as well.”
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