Going into this season, one of the biggest areas of concern for Minnesota Vikings fans was Trae Waynes’ development. After a rookie season in which he rarely saw the field despite the Vikings making him the first defensive back drafted at 11th overall, many were understandably concerned.
Now, heading into his third year, the consternation surrounding Waynes is noticeably quieter. While he didn’t have a transcendent sophomore season, he at least proved that he belongs on an NFL field, earning a rotational role and increasing his playing time from just 18% of the team’s defensive snaps as a rookie to nearly 56% last year.