Alexander selected #54 overall in 2016 NFL Draft

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson defensive back Mackensie Alexander was drafted #54 overall by the Minnesota Vikings during the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday night.

One of the reasons for Alexander's possible slide into the middle of the second round is because there has never been a cornerback selected in the first round in NFL history with no interceptions.

ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had the following to say about Alexander's selection to the Vikings.

"He is an interesting prospect, a third-year sophomore. He didn't have the interceptions that you would want," Kiper Jr. said. "The ball skills were questionable, but he didn't get a lot of opportunities. Tankersley, the junior had five picks. He will be a nice prospect coming up for Clemson as a senior. When we went up against Will Fuller in a rain storm, Fuller had very little chance to catch a majority because they were bad passes that were thrown his way. Florida State and North Carolina games you saw a mix of good and bad. Some issues in coverage. He didn't always wrap up. I think he has a ceiling to be a pretty good starter in the NFL."

Alexander told his friends and family members the following on Thursday night after not being selected in the first round.

"It’s a good thing, I didn’t go in the first round but now I’m going to play three years and get that big contract. It is what it is. It’s time to prove people wrong. They took five corners before me. "I’m not upset, I’m not mad. Everyone wants to go in the first round."

Alexander did not give up a touchdown to the receiver he was assigned to cover over his last 23 games. He was a second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC in 2015.

The Tigers with Alexander were the number two defense in the country in passes completed holding opponents to 47.6 completion percentage. In 638 snaps this past season, QBs completed only 11 passes vs. Alexander and he also had 23 tackles and two tackles for loss.

That moment when you get drafted....@MackAlexander02 pic.twitter.com/HXtbXaSb6Z — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 30, 2016

This is a dream come true but this dream is bigger than just me. This is for my family and for the Haitian Nation #HaitianAmerican ???????????????? — Mackensie Alexander (@MackAlexander02) April 30, 2016

Nothing less than a dog @MackAlexander02 congrats lil bro — Stephone Anthony (@stephoneanthony) April 30, 2016

The 4 Clemson players selected in the 1st 2 rounds is the most by Clemson in the Common Draft era. pic.twitter.com/KszjVdAiHa — NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 30, 2016