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Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL Draft Grade: CB Mackensie Alexander

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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What grade did the Minnesota Vikings earn with their selection of Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander in the second round? Here’s a look at how the former Tiger fits in with the Purple and Gold?

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Minnesota Vikings were finally on the clock in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, I assumed they’d be going with an outside linebacker. Instead, GM Rick Spielman went with the Best Player Available approach and landed Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander at No. 54.

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So how does the selection of Alexander grade out for the Purple and Gold? Well, let’s take a look at what his selection means for the Vikings.

Looking just at the talent Minnesota adds to the roster with this pick, I love the drafting of Alexander. I thought he was a first-round talent, although he is a bit unpolished in terms of awareness and ball skills–which may have played a part in his slide to the later part of the second round. Despite is lack of experience and polish, the potential is there for the former Tiger to emerge as one of the best cornerbacks of the 2016 draft class.

When I put on the film of Alexander, I see an instinctive cover man who possesses the athleticism and explosiveness to be a star at the next level. While many cite his zero career interceptions as a cause for concern, part of that had to do with the fact that teams simply chose to throw away from him.

If you care about numbers, how about this? In 27 starts at Clemson, Alexander gave up only two touchdowns.

Put simply, the talent is there for Alexander to develop into an absolute stud for the Vikings in due time.

Now here’s my only problem with this pick…

Heading into 2016, cornerback is arguably one of the Vikings’ deepest position. They currently boast the talents of Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Captain Munnerlyn and Trae Waynes, all starting-caliber players. Adding Alexander to that list only makes it more difficult for Minnesota to get their talented young cornerbacks on the field.

I know that Newman is nearing the end of his career and Munnerlyn is set to be a free agent in 2017, but the Vikings are in “win now” mode. I would have loved to have seen them address a position like outside linebacker instead of adding a young cornerback who likely won’t see the field much in 2016.

With all of that being said, I think Alexander will be a staple for the Minnesota defense down the road. Head coach Mike Zimmer is a defensive mastermind, and will certainly relish the opportunity to work his magic on the Clemson product who still has a lot of potential to unlock.

I don’t think Alexander will make a huge impact in 2016, but the long-term upside is huge.

Final Grade: B+

More nfl spin zone: Grading Every First-Round Pick of the 2016 NFL Draft

Feel free to comment with what grade you believe the Vikings deserve for the selection of Mackensie Alexander.

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