Vikings Training Camp 2018: Top 6 position battles to watch
By Adam Patrick
3. Nickel Corner
Mackensie Alexander vs. Mike Hughes vs. Terence Newman
Minnesota’s defensive backfield is arguably the deepest part of their roster in 2018. Figuring out who is going to see time on the field is what the Vikings’ coaches will be doing at this year’s training camp.
The first two spots on Minnesota’s cornerback depth chart are taken care of with Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. Who the team selects to be their nickel corner this season is where things begin to get more interesting.
Ideally, the Vikings would probably like Alexander to take the next step in his progression as a player and be a reliable slot corner this year. However, that was also the hope in 2017 and Minnesota ended up replacing him with Newman halfway through the season.
The wild-card in this battle is Hughes. Despite being a rookie, the young corner has been receiving an unusual amount of praise from Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer this offseason.
If Minnesota is not happy with how Alexander is performing in camp and the preseason, Hughes could find a way to swoop in and win the job.