Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who must improve in 2018

3. Mackensie Alexander

Alexander was regarded as a potential first-round pick in 2016 coming out of Clemson, so it looked like the Vikings got a bit of a steal when they drafted him 54th overall in that draft. But he has seen limited action over his first two seasons (27 games), with just one interception as he’s struggled while being picked on by opposing quarterback when he has been on the field.

Pro Football Focus ranked Alexander 106th out of 121 qualifying cornerbacks last year. Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer takes pride in his ability to teach corners, so Alexander’s first two years of stagnant development (or even a bit of regression?) stand as a blow to that pride. Drafting UCF cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round of April’s draft, and the follow-up move to re-sign a nearly 40-year-old Terence Newman, points to a lack of confidence in Alexander. To say nothing of Zimmer’s patience with him probably starting to erode.

Barring something completely unforeseen, Alexander is in no danger of losing his roster spot this year. But he’s clearly been put on notice by the Vikings drafting Hughes in the first round, instead of a move to address at least one more urgent need. It’s time for Alexander to show he can at least be a capable No.3/slot corner, and play starter-level snaps effectively.