The Minnesota Vikings’ most intriguing storylines heading into training camp

Can Mackensie Alexander handle the slot?:

When Minnesota drafted Alexander in 2016’s second round, the initial thoughts were that he was being brought in to eventually replace Captain Munnerlyn as the team’s slot corner. Well eventually happened a lot quicker than some might have anticipated as Munnerlyn is now with the Carolina Panthers and Alexander is assumed to be the player taking over his job.

In terms of talent, Alexander is definitely capable of keeping up with most receivers around the NFL. He had a few hiccups when he saw the field last year, but he was a rookie and his position is one of the hardest to adjust to when making the transition from college to the professional level.

If he is unable to perform well in the slot, the Vikings may be forced to replace him in the lineup with Terence Newman. But that should only depend on how long the young corner struggles if he does at all. Patience is something Minnesota may need to adopt when it comes to Alexander this season.