EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Vikings boosted their defense in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft on Friday night as they selected Clemson defensive back Mackensie Alexander with the 54th overall pick.

Alexander, a redshirt sophomore who helped lead Clemson to last season's national championship game, is the 13th defensive back Minnesota has drafted in the second round.

Alexander was a second-team All-American in 2015 as he recorded 30 total tackles with six pass breakups.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Alexander tallied 22 tackles as a redshirt freshman with six pass breakups.

Alexander didn't record an interception in 2015 but he also didn't allow a touchdown.

"I like the kid because he's quick and tough," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said moments after the pick.

Alexander only participated in the bench press at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine but expressed his competitive nature.

"My job is not to get in your head, but if I get in your head, then that's on you," Alexander said during a media session at the combine. "My job is to eliminate you, and make you go elsewhere, make you do different stuff. I'm a very patient guy. […] I get the memo that I talk a lot of trash. I don't really talk trash – I speak facts.

"I just tell you what it is, and what you're not going to do. If you get one, good. I gave you that," he added. "You didn't beat me. So stuff like that. I just do my job. If [receivers] are frustrated, that's on them."