Mike Zimmer strolled along the indoor practice fields at the Duffy Daughtery building this past March during MSU's pro day, with a keen eye on Trae Waynes, who participated in position drills in front of multiple NFL general managers and scouts.
Zimmer, the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, was one of three sideline generals who arrived to East Lansing to catch a glimpse of the available talent in April 30 draft in Chicago.
Waynes, longly considered to be the top cornerback on the board, could be taken as high as No. 7 to the Chicago Bears, according to NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.
The Vikings are on the clock at No. 11, following a 7-9 season and a third place finish in the NFC North Division standings, behind the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. With a need at cornerback to lineup opposite of Xavier Rhodes, Waynes may be a perfect match for the third-year pro.
The latest mock draft from ESPN's Todd McShay has Waynes shaking hands with Roger Goodell while holding up a Vikings jersey this Thursday, believing that Zimmer's hopes of wanting two press-man coverage corners matches Wayne's attributes.
Another spot that Waynes could land is at No. 20 Philadelphia Eagles, who do have a need in the secondary. Head coach Chip Kelly was in attendance at MSU's pro day and also spend a portion of the event watching Waynes and the rest of the defensive backs.
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