y seven on today Marcus Epps Minnesota Vikings Jerseys , we haven’t entered the real doldrums of the league yet but it’s a long way until free agency and the draft.I’m going to purposely shrink the links up here so I can get these posted, get to bed and get up earlier than necessary so I can spend time with my family before we all race off to work.If I see anything of interest regarding the Vikings I’ll try and link it up here or post in the comments.Time to carry on with our news and links open thread full of beer recommendations, nap strategies, crock pot and smoker recipes. Fire up the mock drafts and drop by for some fan wisdom, snark and have some delicious bacon.Around the DN since our last open thread:Wludford ponders if it’s time to add a video official to NFL officiating crews.Vikings news from other sources and news from around the rest of the league:From Vikings.com Wobby opens his pick-6 mailbag to address reader questions, including how the Vikings will approach the safety position opposite of Harrison Smith heading into 2019, if Chad Beebe can make an impact in the race for the third wide receiver position and more.Mock Madness 1.0: Experts picking offensive lineman for Vikings in first round.Harrison Smith checks in from 4th career Pro Bowl.At SKOR North Matthew Coller ponders the future of the Vikings QB’s.From NFL.com the Cardinals re-sign Larry Fitzgerald to one-year contract.Steven Jones responds to Cole Beasley’s WR target claim.Unsung heroes in the NFC: Adrian Peterson, Frank Clark thrived.We come to today’s media selection:Change the World by Making Your Bed - by Admiral William McRavenAgain Minnesota Vikings Jerseys 2019 , we all know the rules, but in case someone is new:-No discussion of politics or religion-No feeding of the trolls-This isn’t a male version of The View, so leave the gender hatred at the door-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm.With that Trae Waynes Jersey , the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waitress, try the Tears of Our Rivals鈩?and as always, Welcome Aboard! And could have made himself a big part of the Vikings’ future"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Vikings 2018 SeasonVikings 2019 OffseasonU.S. Bank StadiumMinnesota Vikings PodcastsMinnesota Vikings 2019 OffseasonMackensie Alexander made a huge leap in 2018New,149commentsAnd could have made himself a big part of the Vikings’ futureCSTShareTweetShareShareMackensie Alexander made a huge leap in 2018Tim Fuller-USA TODAY SportsYear Three was shaping up to be a big year in the career of Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback Mackensie Alexander. After not seeing much time as a rookie in 2016, he had an up-and-down year in 2017 while attempting to make the transition to the slot cornerback role in the Vikings’ defense. With first-round pick Mike Hughes breathing down his neck, Alexander’s role was limited in the early stages of the season.After Hughes tore his ACL, however, Alexander. . .who had finally decided to embrace the role of slot corner rather than resist it. . .stepped up in a huge way. The folks from ESPN have identified one player that “leveled up” for each team in 2018 Eric Kendricks Jersey , and Alexander was the selection for the Vikings. Here’s the case made by ESPN Vikings writer Courtney Cronin:Alexander was a real force in the second half of the season, as Cronin details. Frankly, you could make the case for him being the best defensive back on the squad after the halfway point. When the Vikings took Alexander in the second round in 2016, he was viewed as a steal, but his struggles in 2016 and 2017 made it difficult to project his trajectory going forward.With a defensive backfield as strong as Minnesota’s is, it will be interesting to see how the team will handle the corners going forward. Xavier Rhodes fought injuries all year in 2018, and though Trae Waynes has developed nicely, there are still those that don’t exactly believe in him. Add in the return of Hughes and the solid play of Holton Hill from his rookie campaign Infant Marcus Epps Jersey , and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more talented group of corners anywhere.Alexander is going into the final year of his contract in 2019, so if he wants to be a part of the Minnesota defense in the future, he’s going to need to pick up where he left off in 2018.