MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Lynx have a roster packed with talent, and that means rookies see themselves sitting on the bench in the near future. But that spot is okay with Devereaux Peters.

She knows she’s playing the waiting game. The rookie from Notre Dame was the Lynx top pick in last month’s WNBA draft. But she won’t be counted on right away, because the team is grooming her to take over for veteran Taj McWilliams-Franklin.

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said she has four players ahead of Peters right now.

“She’ll be fighting to take some time away from those guys,” she said. “But the reality is: if these guys are all healthy and playing like they can play, Devereaux is going to be a player in waiting.”

Peters doesn’t mind being molded; she said it’s nice to know her team has a specific role meant for her to fill.

“They’ve been very clear as far as what they want me to contribute to the team,” Peters said.

She said the clarity has helped her learn plays and tailor her game to the team’s needs.

The Lynx are confident Peters will continue building on the foundation that she started during her Fighting Irish career, where she was a two-time receiver of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award.

In her new role with the Lynx, Peters said she’ll have to rely on her quickness to gain an advantage on her opponents.

“I’m going to have to use my quickness a lot,” she said.

Peters knows that if the Lynx are going to defend their WNBA title, she’ll be counted on to lend a helping hand.

The Lynx play their preseason opener Thursday night in Connecticut.