Minnesota Vikings full 2016 NFL Draft class

Round 2: CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

The 54th overall player selected, Mackensie Alexander had many fans scratching their heads. While cornerback wasn’t an immediate area of need after using high draft picks on Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes as well as the free agent acquisitions Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn on the roster. However, having a young player ready to step up for the future could pay dividends.

Alexander isn’t a ball hawk. In fact, he didn’t notch a single interception during his two years as a starter at Clemson. But he did do one thing really well: shut down pass catchers. Teams struggled throwing against him, especially in the red zone, where he should be considered a shutdown corner at the college level.

One place the new Minnesota Vikings cornerback isn’t lacking is confidence. He’s a vocal defender who can get in the head of offensive players just as well has he can follow them on the football field. His high expectations of himself push him to keep getting better and better, as he wants to be the absolute best at his position and is willing to put the work in to make it happen.

"“A lot of people thought he was a first-rounder around bowl season. He is quick and fast, but there’s a lack of ball production. He was a two-year starter, but with zero interceptions. He’ll compete for a nickel cornerback spot.” — Mike Mayock on NFL.com"

Next: Offensive line depth