The Viking Age
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Five Minnesota Vikings with the most to prove to the team in 2017

By Adam Patrick

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with and points at cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer shakes hands with and points at cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) defends against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas (13) during a NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Mackensie Alexander (20) defends against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Mike Thomas (13) during a NFL game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mackensie Alexander, CB

Entering his second season in Minnesota, Alexander has a big opportunity in 2017 to fill the void left by Captain Munnerlyn (now with the Carolina Panthers). Munnerlyn had been the Vikings primary slot corner for the past three years and now Minnesota needs to find a player to take his place.

When Alexander was drafted in the second round last year, many assumed he was going to eventually be Munnerlyn’s replacement. But the young corner struggled a bit during his limited snaps on defense in 2016 and now some are questioning if he is actually ready for an increased role this season.

Luckily for Alexander, he has a head coach in Mike Zimmer who has become known for his skills in getting the most out of his team’s defensive backs. Will Alexander be able to use Zimmer’s guidance and take a step in the right direction in 2017?

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