Video: Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander 2015 Pass Targets With Stat Breakdown

With the 2016 NFL Draft now a month away, I have begun thoroughly breaking down a few of the top cornerbacks in this year’s class as it relates to how they performed when targeted in coverage. Last week, I compiled all of the targets that Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander faced during the 2014 season. Now, I have all of his 2015 targets compiled for you in the video below in addition to a play-by-play rundown of each.

As you can see, I have Alexander being targeted a total of 54 times in 2015. He gave up 16 receptions for 252 total yards and no touchdowns. I should point out, however, that Alexander was penalized twice during those 54 targets. Additionally, all but three of the receptions he allowed resulted in a first down. Both interceptions that you see listed below were registered by teammates of Alexander with him in the near vicinity.

After watching all of 2014 and 2015, I have come to the conclusion that while Alexander is a talented cornerback, I do not think the Pittsburgh Steelers should draft him in the first round. As you will see in both his 2014 and 2015 videos, not only did Alexander not record a single interception in his two years at Clemson, he also broke up very few passes as well. In total, he had 11 breakups in two seasons and was targeted well over 100 times.

While Alexander certainly didn’t give up a lot of catches at Clemson, there were quite a few of the passes thrown his way were not catchable footballs with him not even being close in coverage. There were also a few drops by receivers. While Alexander can play press, off and zone, he also played a lot of press bail at Clemson. He really struggles when it comes to defensing underneath passes as he loves to open the gate soon. I also found Alexander’s vertical leap on the field while playing the football very unimpressive. He is already handicapped when it comes to his height and he doesn’t make up for it with a great leaping ability.

Overall, I believe that Alexander was really helped by the great front seven that Clemson had while he was there as they continually pressured opposing quarterbacks. I think some teams might look at Alexander as just a slot/nickel corner and while it might not ultimately happen, it would not shock me to see Alexander slide to the second round.