Vikings Training Camp 2018: Previewing the secondary
By Chris Schad
Battle in the Slot:
Mackenzie Alexander vs. Mike Hughes
While Minnesota’s secondary as a whole is a strong unit, the slot position was one that didn’t make the grade last season.
Mackenzie Alexander was given the opportunity to take the reigns from the departed Captain Munnerlyn. But Alexander didn’t make the most of his chances, as he ended up being the lone member of the Vikings’ secondary to by graded as “poor” by Pro Football Focus in 2017.
Mike Zimmer doesn’t take his secondary lightly, so when Minnesota came on the clock in the first round of last April’s NFL Draft, they pounced on UCF cornerback Mike Hughes.
Some may see Hughes as an eventual replacement for Trae Waynes down the line. But for now, his role will likely be on special teams (three kick return TDs last year at UCF) and possibly in the slot if he can grasp Zimmer’s defense quickly.
When Hughes was drafted, Zimmer denied that he was brought in to push Alexander. However, the tea leaves suggest something else.
If Alexander can’t step up in training camp this year, it’s possible that a rookie defensive back could have a rare, early impact for the Vikings’ defense 2018.