Mackensie Alexander
![]() Alexander during the 2017 season | |||||||||
Personal information | |||||||||
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Born: | Naples, Florida, U.S. | November 12, 1993||||||||
Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||
Weight: | 192 lb (87 kg) | ||||||||
Career information | |||||||||
High school: | Immokalee (Immokalee, Florida) | ||||||||
College: | Clemson (2013–2015) | ||||||||
Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||
NFL draft: | 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 54 | ||||||||
Career history | |||||||||
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* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
Mackensie Alexander (born November 12, 1993) is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at Clemson, where after redshirting his freshman season, became a key role player on the Tigers' defense his second season, earning Freshman All-American honors. Entering his sophomore season, he was a key part of the Tigers' defense, which was ranked among the best in all of college football. Alexander was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Early life
Alexander was born along with his identical twin brother Mackenro in
In addition to football, Alexander also wrestled for the Indians and ran track. In
Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Alexander was viewed as the 7th best defensive back prospect in the nation, the 8th best player in the state of Florida and the 42nd best recruit in the nation. He was rated by ESPN as a five-star recruit and was rated as the fourth best overall player in the nation, as well as the second best defensive back in the nation and the No. 2 player in Florida. Scout.com described Alexander as "an ultra confident, big-mouthed player that wants to shut down no. 1 wide receivers and is capable of understanding the mental game better than any other prospect in his class".[6] Alexander committed to Clemson University to play college football in National Signing Day, becoming one of the most highly sought-after recruits in Clemson history and the highest-ranked Tiger signee since Da'Quan Bowers was No. 1 in the class of 2008.[7]
Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
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Mackensie Alexander CB |
Immokalee, Florida | Immokalee High School | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 4.5 | Nov 9, 2012 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout:![]() ![]() | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: FL ); 42 (national)
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Sources:
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College career
Initially slated to be in the mix in 2013, Alexander suffered a groin injury in the preseason and therefore was granted a
Freshman season (2014)
As the first (redshirt) freshman
Sophomore season (2015)
Alexander returned as a starter in 2015.[11] In the preseason, Alexander was named to the Bednarik and Thorpe Award watch lists, as well as to the preseason third-team All-American by Athlon. Alexander had a stellar season for a Tigers team that went 14–1 and made it to the National Championship game in Phoenix, Arizona, earning All-ACC honors after shutting down every receiver he faced. He didn't give up a single 100-yard receiver or a passing touchdown during the season. He injured his hamstring against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff Semifinal and tried to play through the injury against Alabama, but he aggravated it in the first half and didn't return.
On January 13, 2016, Alexander announced that he would forgo the rest of his eligibility in college and declare for the upcoming NFL draft. "It was a tough decision, very difficult," Alexander said. "I enjoyed my college experience. It was fun and something I've been really enjoying, competing with my friend, my brothers. You grow a bond in college. This was definitely something I've been enjoying. We've had great coaching. I talked to my parents. I've had a great career and I want to keep getting better and chase greatness. I feel I did everything I could in college. I made a bunch of plays to help my team."
Statistics
Regular season statistics | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
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Season | Team | GP | GS | Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | Tfl | PDef | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TDs | FF | FR | FR YDS |
2014 | Clemson | 10 | 10 | 21 | 15 | 6 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
2015 | Clemson | 13 | 13 | 23 | 18 | 5 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Totals | 23 | 23 | 44 | 33 | 11 | 0.0 | 4.0 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Professional career
Pre-draft
On January 13, 2016, Alexander announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the
External videos | |
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Alexander attended pre-draft visits with the Steelers, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Colts, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams.[15][16] He also had a private workout with the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.[17][18] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Alexander was projected to be a late first round or second round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the third best cornerback prospect in the draft by Sports Illustrated, was ranked the third best cornerback by DraftScout.com, and was ranked the seventh best cornerback by NFL analyst Mike Mayock.[19][20]
Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle |
Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
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5 ft 10+3⁄8 in (1.79 m) |
190 lb (86 kg) |
31+3⁄8 in (0.80 m) |
9+1⁄8 in (0.23 m) |
4.47 s | 1.56 s | 2.63 s | 4.21 s | 7.18 s | 37+1⁄2 in (0.95 m) |
10 ft 1 in (3.07 m) |
11 reps | |
All values from Clemson's /NFL Combine[21]
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Minnesota Vikings (first stint)
2016
The Vikings selected Alexander in the second round with the 54th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.[22] Alexander was the seventh cornerback drafted in 2016. Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked the Vikings' selection of Alexander as the fifth best in the 2016 NFL draft.[23]
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On May 5, 2016, the Vikings signed Alexander to a four-year, $4.31 million contract that includes $1.98 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.33 million.[24]
Alexander joined a deep cornerback group that included Xavier Rhodes, Terence Newman, Trae Waynes, and Captain Munnerlyn. Throughout training camp, he competed to be the first-team nickelback against Munnerlyn.[25] Head coach Mike Zimmer named Alexander the fifth cornerback on the Vikings' depth chart to begin the regular season, behind Rhodes, Newman, Munnerlyn, and Waynes.[26]
He made his professional regular season debut in the Vikings' season-opening 25–16 victory at the Titans. In Week 10, Alexander collected a season-high three combined tackles during a 26–20 loss at the
2017
Alexander entered training camp slated as the first-team nickelback after Captain Munnerlyn departed for the Panthers during free agency.[31] Head coach Mike Zimmer named Alexander the first-team nickelback to begin the regular season. He was also named the fourth cornerback on the depth chart behind Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Terence Newman.[32]
Alexander was inactive for the Vikings' Week 7 win against the Baltimore Ravens due to a hip injury.[33] On November 12, 2017, Alexander recorded a season-high three solo tackles, two pass deflections, and made his first career interception during a 38–30 victory at the Redskins in Week 10. Alexander made his first career interception off a pass by Redskins' quarterback Kirk Cousins, that was originally intended for wide receiver Jamison Crowder, and returned it for a ten-yard gain in the second quarter.[34] He was also sidelined during a Week 15 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a rib injury.[35] He finished the season with 17 combined tackles (13 solo), six pass deflections, and one interception in 14 games and zero starts.[30]
The Vikings finished first in the NFC North with a 13–3 record and earned a first round bye. On January 14, 2018, Alexander appeared in his first career playoff game and made one tackle and one pass deflection during a 29–24 victory against the Saints in the NFC Divisional Round. The following week, the Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs after a 38–7 loss at the Philadelphia Eagles who were the eventual Super Bowl LII Champions.[36]
2018
Alexander returned as the first-team nickelback under third-year defensive coordinator George Edwards.[37] Alexander was inactive for the Vikings' season-opening victory against the San Francisco 49ers after injuring his ankle in the second preseason game.[38] On September 16, 2018, Alexander earned his first career start and collected a season-high seven solo tackles and made his first career sack during a 29–29 tie at the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. Alexander sacked Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a seven-yard loss during overtime.[39]
2019
Alexander entered the 2019 season as the Vikings slot cornerback. He played in 13 games with four starts, recording 38 tackles, 0.5 sacks, five passes defensed and an interception. He was placed on injured reserve on January 10, 2020.[40]
Cincinnati Bengals
On March 30, 2020, Alexander signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.[41][42]
On August 26, 2020, Alexander was arrested in Florida, while searching for his missing father. He was charged with battery against the last person to see his father, who was later found unharmed.[43][44] The charges against Alexander were dropped in January 2021.[45]
Alexander was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 7, 2020,[46] and was activated on November 11.[47] In Week 15 against the Steelers on Monday Night Football, Alexander recorded his first interception as a Bengal off a pass thrown by Ben Roethlisberger during the 27–17 win.[48]
Minnesota Vikings (second stint)
On March 29, 2021, he signed with the Vikings.[49] He appeared in all 16 games with 5 starts. He wasn't re-signed after the season.
Miami Dolphins
On August 15, 2022, Alexander signed with the Miami Dolphins.[50] On August 23, 2022, Alexander was placed on injured reserve.[51] On September 1, 2022, he was released with an injury settlement.
Dallas Cowboys
On December 6, 2022, Alexander was signed to the practice squad of the Cowboys, to provide depth after cornerback Anthony Brown was lost for the season with a torn Achilles.[52] Alexander was reunited with Clemson teammate and Vikings teammate Jayron Kearse upon signing with the Cowboys. On December 23, 2022, he was promoted to the active roster. On January 19, 2023, he was placed on the injured reserve list. On January 30, 2023, he was released by the Cowboys.
References
- ^ Brenner, Aaron (April 22, 2016). "Struggles of immigrant parents drive Clemson's Mackensie Alexander to chase American Dream". Post and Courier. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Sherman, Mitch (February 4, 2013). "Is five-star CB Alexander a program-changer?". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Football Recruiting - Mackensie Alexander - Player Profiles - ESPN". ESPN.com.
- ^ "Collier County Athletic Championships". Athletic.net. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Bear Run Invitationals". Athletic.net. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "Inside Look: Mackensie Alexander". ScoutFootball.com.
- ^ Sherman, Mitch (February 6, 2013). "CB Mackensie Alexander picks Clemson". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Hale, David (August 19, 2015). "Why Mackensie Alexander believes he's the best". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Brenner, Aaron (July 6, 2015). "Offenses have stayed away from Clemson's Alexander". Post and Courier. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Robinson, Mandrallius (August 7, 2015). "Clemson's Mackensie Alexander lets play speak for him". The Greenville News. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ "'Ultracompetitive' Mackensie Alexander is shining under spotlight".
- ^ Handel, Craig (January 13, 2016). "Former Immokalee star Mackensie Alexander will enter NFL draft". News-Press.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Goodbread, Chase (February 29, 2016). "Mackensie Alexander not participating in combine drills". NFL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Brandt, Gil (March 12, 2016). "Four NFL head coaches attend Clemson's pro day". NFL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Thorman, Joel (March 17, 2016). "Mackensie Alexander lining up the draft visits". Arrowhead Pride. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams Prospect Visit Tracker Update". turfshowtimes.com. April 4, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft: Which Prospects Have the Carolina Panthers Met With?". catscratchreader.com. April 22, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Not short on confidence, Vikings new CB Mackensie Alexander eager to earn role". 1500espn.com. April 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Mike Mayock's 2016 NFL Draft top 100 prospect rankings". NFL.com. April 25, 2016. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Burke, Chris (April 12, 2016). "2016 NFL draft position rankings". si.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "*Mackensie Alexander – Clemson, CB : 2016 NFL Draft Scout External News". nfldraftscout.com.
- ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ Renner, Michael (May 2, 2016). "The 16 best picks in the 2016 NFL draft | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics". PFF.
- ^ "Spotrac.com: Mackensie Alexander contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Vensel, Matt (June 2, 2016). "Captain Munnerlyn ready to face challenge from Vikings rookie". Star Tribune. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Vikings' Shaun Hill listed as starter on unofficial depth chart". twincities.com. September 6, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Vikings' Mackensie Alexander: Inactive Thursday". cbssports.com. December 2, 2016. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Peters, Craig (December 23, 2016). "Vikings Place Alexander on IR; Sign Ham to 53". Vikings.com. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ Reidell, B.J. (December 23, 2016). "Vikings Rookie Mackensie Alexander Headed to IR". vikingsterritory.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ a b "NFL Player stats: Mackensie Alexander (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Vikings' Mackensie Alexander takes break from media blackout, says must 'focus'". twincities.com. August 19, 2017. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Horstman, Terry (September 5, 2017). "Vikings first depth chart features 3 rookies in starting roles". Vikings Wire. USA Today. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Gates, Christoper (October 20, 2017). "Baltimore Ravens at Minnesota Vikings: Final Injury Reports for Both Teams". dailynorseman.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins – November 12th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ Yotter, Tim (December 21, 2017). "Vikings-Bengals inactives: Rudolph active for Vikings, Reiff out". 247sports.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "NFL Player stats: Mackensie Alexander (2017)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ Cronin, Courtney (August 18, 2018). "After 'growing up,' Vikings' Mackensie Alexander primed for 2018". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
- ^ "REPORT: Mackensie Alexander injury update, Vikings transactions". REPORT: Mackensie Alexander injury update, Vikings transactions. August 20, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – September 16th, 2018". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ "Vikings Send Mackensie Alexander to I.R., Sign Nate Meadors to Active Roster". Vikings.com. January 10, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ Alper, Josh (March 19, 2020). "Bengals will add Mackensie Alexander". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ "Bengals Announce Agreements With Eight Unrestricted Free Agents". Bengals.com. April 8, 2020. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
- ^ "Bengals cornerback Mackensie Alexander arrested in Florida amid search for missing father". WLWT. WLWT. September 17, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2020.
- ^ Brookbank, Sarah (August 27, 2020). "Missing father of Bengals CB Mackensie Alexander found in Florida". Cincinnati.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ Alper, Josh (January 19, 2021). "Battery charges dropped against Mackensie Alexander". NBCSports.com. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ Bouda, Nate (November 7, 2020). "Bengals Place DB Mackensie Alexander & LB Jordan Evans On COVID-19 List". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ Williams, Charean (November 11, 2020). "Bengals place Winston Rose on COVID list, remove Jordan Evans, Mackensie Alexander". NBCSports.com. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals - December 21st, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ Smith, Eric (March 29, 2021). "Vikings Agree to Terms with CB Mackensie Alexander". Vikings.com. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
- ^ "Dolphins make roster moves". MiamiDolphins.com. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
- ^ "Dolphins make roster moves". MiamiDolphins.com. August 15, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
- ^ Walker, Patrik (December 7, 2022). "Mackensie Alexander Signed by Cowboys, CB Fix?". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved December 8, 2022.