5 Minnesota Vikings who should have been extended before Kyle Rudolph

3. Mackensie Alexander, cornerback

Last season, Mackensie Alexander had a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings. His Pro Football Focus overall defensive grade increased by 24 points and he made some great plays filling in as a starter for six games.

After the experiment to have him in nickel ended, Alexander shined when moving back to the outside. He played coverage well and rushed the passer at a good rate, resulting in 43 combined tackles and four sacks.

The former second round draft pick might be coming into his own…or he may have just had a great season that will drop off this coming season. That gamble would be one which would be worth it, even if he was to land somewhere between his disappointing 2017 and excellent 2018.

It would be a real blow if Minnesota was to lose both Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander after the 2019 season. Sure, there are talented players like Mike Hughes, Holton Hill, and others who will be around for 2020, but it appears as though Mike Zimmer may have to get more cornerbacks early in the draft the next few years to replace the ones the team can’t afford to keep.