Who will be the most improved player for the Vikings in 2018?

Mackensie Alexander – CB

If the Vikings intended to send a message with their selection of Central Florida cornerback Mike Hughes in the first round of last month’s NFL Draft, it was likely aimed at Alexander.

Minnesota drafted Alexander in the second round two years ago and the assumption, based on his size, was that he would eventually take over as the team’s nickel corner.

In 2017, he and Terence Newman began the season splitting the role pretty evenly. But by the end of the year, the Vikings tended to keep Newman out on the field in the slot for the majority of the time.

Both players are returning this season and Alexander has to deal with competition from Hughes now as well. Will the increased competition motivate Alexander to emerge as Minnesota’s next great defensive weapon in 2018 or will he just fail to meet his expectations once again?