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Mackensie Alexander has a completely renewed mindset as it pertains to playing nickel corner in Year 3. After fighting the transition his first two seasons and losing the job in camp to Terence Newman in 2017, Alexander said he noticed a turning point after the Washington and Green Bay games where he felt like he was no longer holding himself back and felt confident in what was being asked of him. His says his goal this season is to be a top-5 nickel corner in the NFL, finally feeling confident with the concepts, terminology, run fits, checks that the defense does. Asked about rookie Mike Hughes, who has played a bunch of nickel on second and third team defense since he arrived, Alexander notes his willingness to ask questions and wanting to play the position. "He's willing to learn," Alexander said. "He's where I wasn't when I got here."
Personally, I think Mike Hughes is going to blow by this kid. Alexander is a talented athlete but his stubborn streak is going to hurt him I think.
6 for 19
Alexander held Calvin Ridley for 6 for 19
In a bowl game
Not taking anything away from Hughes as he sounds extremely promising, but Alexander can be the real deal...
Quote: @"BarrNone55" said:
6 for 19
Alexander held Calvin Ridley for 6 for 19
In a bowl game
Not taking anything away from Hughes as he sounds extremely promising, but Alexander can be the real deal...
But he hasn't been. Usually a good NFL corner has shown at least something fairly decent before his 3rd year. Not sure that can be said about Mac but he'll get his chance this year.
I think Mac is behind the curve. Hopefully he can step it up a notch this year or Hughes explodes out of the gate.
Captain struggled as well with this defense, but once he bought in, he was very good. I think Mac is showing maturity here and will be very good this year. Hughes still has to learn the D. That will take some time even if he is a willing student.
He will be the dime back and punt returner.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I really think the 2016 draft will be remembered as a big ole bust. Treadwell's issues go without saying, They drafted Mac's replacement in my mind, same with Brothers. Beavers is cut, Moritz is gone, which leaves us Morgan, Kearse and, Weatherly. Those three have shown promise in certain area's, but you would have expected to hit with at least 1 of our 1-4 picks (no third that year.) Which, we did not that year IMO.
I really like the position we are in, having Alexander, Hughes and Hill. Newman can step out and into a great coaching situation. Marcus has had a great run and will find a year or two elsewhere, not bad for a 30 year old local UDFA. No one will be thrown out on the street and done wrong. Upgrade and fan favorite's not being disrespected, two positions open, one on special teams, gotta be room for the three on the big scheme of things. The kind of story that keeps me a positive fan.
Cart------------------Horse. That's the cart WAY in front of the horse here, for sure, but if somehow Hill turns into a starter type talent by the end of this season (has to make the roster first, still a big if), this would give the team the real decision to let Trae Waynes go in FA after his contract is up. Not sure if they'd want to or not, but as talent gets resigned (Diggs, Barr) tough decisions will need to be made moving forward. And Waynes could be one of them. This is why its so important to backfill the pipeline with young, cheap players on their first contracts (like Holton Hill potentially). I like Waynes and he's improved incrementally each year.
Just playing out a possible scenario. Not saying its what will happen or if the team even would want that. But the salary cap will demand this kind of thought process by Brez at the very least.
Quote: @StickyBun said:
Cart------------------Horse. That's the cart WAY in front of the horse here, for sure, but if somehow Hill turns into a starter type talent by the end of this season (has to make the roster first, still a big if), this would give the team the real decision to let Trae Waynes go in FA after his contract is up. Not sure if they'd want to or not, but as talent gets resigned (Diggs, Barr) tough decisions will need to be made moving forward. And Waynes could be one of them. This is why its so important to backfill the pipeline with young, cheap players on their first contracts (like Holton Hill potentially). I like Waynes and he's improved incrementally each year.
Just playing out a possible scenario. Not saying its what will happen or if the team even would want that. But the salary cap will demand this kind of thought process by Brez at the very least.
We have Waynes locked up through 2019... so this season and next season. Mackenzie Alexander is also a FA after the 2019 season. I actually think if Hughes and Holton Hill look like potential starters heading into next year, Mac is the more likely one to hit free agency.
Quote: @Wetlander said:
@ StickyBun said:
Cart------------------Horse. That's the cart WAY in front of the horse here, for sure, but if somehow Hill turns into a starter type talent by the end of this season (has to make the roster first, still a big if), this would give the team the real decision to let Trae Waynes go in FA after his contract is up. Not sure if they'd want to or not, but as talent gets resigned (Diggs, Barr) tough decisions will need to be made moving forward. And Waynes could be one of them. This is why its so important to backfill the pipeline with young, cheap players on their first contracts (like Holton Hill potentially). I like Waynes and he's improved incrementally each year.
Just playing out a possible scenario. Not saying its what will happen or if the team even would want that. But the salary cap will demand this kind of thought process by Brez at the very least.
We have Waynes locked up through 2019... so this season and next season. Mackenzie Alexander is also a FA after the 2019 season. I actually think if Hughes and Holton Hill look like potential starters heading into next year, Mac is the more likely one to hit free agency.
Gotcha, thanks for that info. Even better, really, as it relates to Holton Hill and his development time. And agreed on Mac Alexander. I'm not trying to push either Waynes or Alexander away as it will be great to have them this year and next, but you can see that something will have to give here in the future.
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