Mike Zimmer pointed to former 11th-overall pick Trae Waynes as a reason to believe in a struggling rookie when broached with the topic of Laquon Treadwell's future.
"Waynes didn't play much his rookie year," Zimmer said this month. "I can't remember who else, but these things happen to some of these rookies. So I think you're always going to give young guys the benefit of the doubt as you continue to move forward."
So how bigof a step forward did Waynes really take in his second NFL season?
A closer look showed the makings of a disruptive defender with the speed and length to stick with just about any receiver.