Detroit Lions: Five First Round Draft Options
By Jeff Risdon
Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
If the new GM wants to solidify the secondary and add an outside cornerback to play opposite Darius Slay, Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander certainly merits consideration.
Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Alexander is one of the stickiest, most physical corners in college football despite lacking ideal NFL length at 5’10”. He doesn’t lack tenacity or bulk, however. One NFL area scout told me Alexander is playing at 195 pounds and expects the underclassmen to be among the top athletes in terms of agility and acceleration, if Alexander in fact declares for the draft.
Here’s what Dane Brugler of CBS Sports had to say back in October about the corner who has allowed just 10 completions on 28 targets all season…
"While just a redshirt sophomore, the 5-foot-10, 190 Alexander already sports an NFL-ready frame with broad shoulders and thick thighs. His light feet, fluid hips and aggressive nature has kept opposing quarterbacks from challenging him much this season."
He will need to learn to play less with his hands, something most press man corners must adapt to in the more stringent NFL. But he has legit shutdown corner potential and would pair with Slay to potentially form one of the best cornerback duos in the league.
Next: Andrew Billings