The first-round signings have begun to pour in.
The Minnesota Vikings announced on Thursday the team inked a deal with first-round cornerback Trae Waynes out of Michigan State.
Second-round pick Eric Kendricks also agreed to terms with the Vikings, per the team.
This year's 11th overall pick, Waynes furnishes Minnesota with a long-term starting candidate across from 2013 first-rounder Xavier Rhodes. Both should grow under Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, one of the league's finest secondary tutors.
"(Waynes has) got length, he's really fast and he's courageous, so that gives you your start. And then you start looking at his technique," said Vikings defensive backs aide Jerry Gray, praising the rookie's ability to play man-to-man coverage. "One thing you can't change is his (4.31) speed. ... Being blessed with speed doesn't hurt."
Waynes now finds himself in a division with Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Alshon Jeffery and fellow rookie Kevin White lining up to catch the ball.
"He has the speed to match up with them, but he'll be tested,"Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "If he passes enough tests early, people will stay away from him. If he doesn't pass those tests early, he'll be tested the duration of the season."
If he can endure the onslaught, Waynes will have proven his worth in Year 1.
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