Mackensie Alexander Signs Contract With Minnesota Vikings

As has been their practice over the past couple of years, the Minnesota Vikings are signing their draft picks fast and furious.

Mackensie Alexander, the cornerback out of Clemson who was the Vikings' second round pick in last weekend's draft (#54 overall), has agreed to terms with the team, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. The deal is said to be for four years and $4.3 million, with a signing bonus of $1.34 million.

Alexander was considered to be, in some circles, the best man-to-man coverage cornerback in this year's draft class, and it was surprising when he fell out of the first round. A lot has been made of the fact that Alexander didn't have any interceptions in his final two years of college football, which is something that the team can likely coach. More impressive is the fact that it's been 23 games since the last time he allowed a touchdown pass, a major accomplishment given that he's been matched up with the opposing team's top wide receiver at every opportunity.

The defensive backfield in Minnesota looks to be getting awfully crowded at the cornerback position. The team has Xavier Rhodes entrenched at one spot on the outside, and the battle between veteran Terence Newman and second-year man Trae Waynes figures to be one of the most watched of camp. Alexander will almost certainly be challenging incumbent Captain Munnerlyn for snaps as the slot cornerback, and with Munnerlyn being a free agent following this season, the Vikings could be grooming Alexander to be his replacement. With the way things are moving in the National Football League now, you can never have too many cornerbacks, and that's why the Vikings felt they needed to take Alexander in Friday's second round.

With the signing of Alexander, the Vikings have signed five of their eight draftees from this past weekend's draft. Yet to be signed are first round selection Laquon Treadwell, fourth round pick Willie Beavers, and fifth round pick Kentrell Brothers.

Congratulations to Mackensie Alexander on the official beginning of his Minnesota Vikings career!