Mackensie Alexander Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Cornerback Mackensie Alexander was a major reason for Clemson's defensive success this season, despite leaving the College Football Playoff National Championship with an injury, and now he will take that success to the next level.

The star corner declared for the 2016 NFL draft on Wednesday, according to Joe Schad of ESPN. 

The third-year sophomore redshirted because of a groin injury in 2013 but became a starter in 2014. He was a freshman All-American that year and was a First-Team All-ACC performer in 2015 as the backbone of one of the best secondaries in the nation.

His decision to turn pro does not come as a surprise. Rand Getlin of NFL Network said the cornerback was “leaning toward applying” for the draft before the College Football Playoff.

While Alexander is sure to be a first-round pick and could even challenge for a spot in the top 10, he didn’t record an interception in his entire collegiate career. Some may look at that as a downside, but it was a testament to how fearful opposing quarterbacks were of throwing his way, especially since he so often locked down receivers and didn’t allow any openings in the aerial attack.

Interceptions or not, confidence is surely not an issue for Alexander. He even proclaimed himself as the best cornerback in the country before the 2015 season, via Aaron Brenner of the Post and Courier:

"

In my opinion? It’s not even close. I think every guy that talks about Mackensie knows I’m the best corner in college ball. It’s not even close. It’s not even close.

Look at my body of work. The things I’ve done. It’s not even close. My numbers, and you look at everybody else’s numbers, I mean, I don’t care who they are and what league they play in, that doesn’t matter. If you can play, you can play, hands down.

"

Alexander has the skill set to back up his claim.

He thrives in man coverage and is physical enough at 5’10” and 190 pounds to press up on receivers. He is also quick enough to keep up with the fastest opponents and is the type of player who can eventually survive on an island in the pass-happy NFL while his teammates attack the quarterback.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports highlighted his efforts against Notre Dame’s Will Fuller this season, as Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer rarely looked his star’s way because of Alexander’s coverage.

Rang said of the Clemson star, “Alexander already sports an NFL-ready frame with broad shoulders and thick thighs. His light feet, fluid hips and aggressive nature have kept opposing quarterbacks from challenging him much this season.”

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report projected Alexander as the sixth-overall pick in his mock draft following the college football regular season and pointed to the cornerback’s man-coverage skills, agility in the open field and overall instincts.

NFL teams need cornerback depth as offenses continue to turn to the aerial attack. Alexander is arguably the best one available in the 2016 draft.