Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 secondary trades that make sense

By Richard Bradshaw

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos defends a pass intended for Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: Chris Harris #25 of the Denver Broncos defends a pass intended for Allen Robinson #12 of the Chicago Bears in the first quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on September 15, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings walks out on the field for warm ups prior to the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Trae Waynes #26 of the Minnesota Vikings walks out on the field for warm ups prior to the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Trae Waynes:

Trae Waynes is far from a no.1 cornerback, but he is still a stud with upside. His long, lanky body and track speed make him a player worth developing; and there’s few places better than the Baltimore Ravens at developing defensive backs.

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In Waynes, Baltimore gets a player who’s started to become sculpted into a foundational piece in the secondary, but is still a few steps away from his potential. The biggest turn-on when talking about Waynes is his natural gifts in his build and athleticism; it’s what made him the first corner selected back in the 2015 NFL Draft. The Ravens instead could focus on making him a good press guy with speed to keep up with defenders.

Across from him is Marlon Humphrey and behind him is Earl Thomas. In Minnesota, the Vikings had Xavier Rhodes across from him and Harrison Smith behind him. That’s hardly a step down, if not a step above.

The environment therefore is familiar to Waynes, so at a minimum he continues being a solid corner for Baltimore. The upside is still there, however, and his potential remains untapped. He’s shown beautiful flashes with the Vikings, and that’s something the Ravens may be able to get the most out of him.

Waynes could be a buy-low player, giving up maybe a fifth round selection to get him, and someone that the team can let walk after 2019 if he fails to match expectations. His likely low-cost but high-upside makes him someone that the Baltimore Ravens should heavily consider gambling on.

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