Cleveland Browns Duke Johnson: 3 player for player trade options
By Randy Gurzi
To Minnesota for Mackensie Alexander
The Browns surprised some in the 2018 NFL Draft when they took Denzel Ward at No. 4 despite Bradley Chubb being on the board. The idea of pairing Chubb and Myles Garrett was incredibly enticing, but Dorsey decided the need at the corner position was too great. So far, it looks as though they made a good decision as Ward made the Pro Bowl as a rookie.
Having said that, the Browns could use a starter opposite him as they look to complete this defense. Terrance Mitchell and T.J. Carrie are more than likely the top two candidates right now but the draft could change that. As could the team making a trade.
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One place they could look for help at corner would be with the Minnesota Vikings. Their depth chart includes Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Holton Hill, and 2018 first round pick Mike Hughes — who missed the majority of his rookie season due to a torn ACL. With him back healthy, everyone could slide down the depth chart by one.
This could take Alexander out of the picture despite him showing some progress in 2018. After hardly seeing the field in 2016 and 2017, the former Clemson product played in 15 games with six starts for the Vikings. He finished with 43 tackles and four sacks but had no interceptions.
Coming into the NFL, Alexander was considered a potential shutdown corner who excelled in man coverage. He may never fill up the stat sheets but he’s going to do his job and make life hard on the receiver. Alexander could push for a starting job in Cleveland and could be worth the risk.
As for the Vikings, they need some depth behind Delvin Cook. While Amer Abdullah has some experience, consistency hasn’t been his friend and Johnson arguably provides a better option for them.