Vikings Training Camp 2021: Top 5 takeaways from Day 3

Jun 15, 2021; in Eagen, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on as free safety Harrison Smith (22) goes through drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2021; in Eagen, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer looks on as free safety Harrison Smith (22) goes through drills at OTA at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports) Mackensie Alexander /

Mack that thing up

Earlier in this list, the secondary was discussed as a unit that wasn’t getting enough attention. Minnesota made it a point to invest in that group this offseason by acquiring Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland, and Xavier Woods to the Vikings as well as reuniting with Mackensie Alexander.

Sports Illustrated Vikings reporter Will Ragatz shared on Twitter that Alexander was having a “fantastic day” on Friday by being solid in coverage as a nickel defender in one-on-one and 11-on-11 drills.

Minnesota lost Alexander to the Bengals following the 2019 NFL season but returned to the team this offseason on a one-year deal. If he can perform well, that should allow him to cash in on a much bigger contract when the salary cap bounces back.

However, in the scope of this year, Alexander’s presence will help to add experience and familiarity to a unit that struggled mightily due to a lack of previous playing time and injuries that forced players into the lineup. If he can stay healthy, Mackensie should be penciled in as the team’s primary nickel defender for now.

What did you think were the biggest takeaways from Friday’s training camp? And what else did the Minnesota Vikings do that raised your interest during Day 3? Let us know your opinion in the comments.