Vikings Training Camp 2019: Previewing the secondary

(Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes
(Photo By Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images) Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes /
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(Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) Mackensie Alexander
(Charles Trainor Jr./Miami Herald/TNS via Getty Images) Mackensie Alexander /

Starting Slot Corner: Mackensie Alexander

When I began writing this article, I had considered placing Alexander among the reserves. However, with the Vikings playing more nickel as their base defense, Alexander has become more of a starter while being forced to deal with the evolving slot receiver position.

Alexander’s first two years in the NFL didn’t go according to plan as he seemed to be in Mike Zimmer’s doghouse and he didn’t see the field. Over the first four weeks of 2018, it appeared to be more of the same as Alexander registered the fourth-worst coverage grade in the NFL at 39.8, but he hadn’t allowed a touchdown.

Over the final 12 weeks of the season, the light bulb turned on for Alexander and he had the best year of his career. Alexander would allow the fifth-lowest passer rating (70.4) among corners with 20 percent slot coverage snaps and rank ninth in yards per coverage snap at 0.95.

The Clemson product also did not allow a touchdown all season, which made 2018 a true breakout year.

While all of that is nice, Alexander must prove that the late-season play is the player the Vikings are going to get in the future. Alexander has matured over the past couple of years and if he truly has learned from Zimmer, he could lock down the slot corner spot for years to come.