NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 7
By Dana Becker
Pick Analysis. player. Scouting Report. FS. Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick. 7. 59
For as great as Alabama has been at producing defensive line and linebacker starters to the NFL, those that come from Nick Saban’s program out of the secondary have been even better.
Enter Minkah Fiztpatrick, who stands over 6-feet and weighs 200 pounds while running a 4.5 40-yard dash. Those numbers alone would get him noticed, but having experience playing under Saban and in the SEC make him a first round pick.
In his first two seasons with Bama, Fitzpatrick recorded over 100 tackles and broke up 18 passes. He also showed a knack for the big play, returning two interceptions for touchdowns.
The Dolphins can use another playmaker on defense. Fitzpatrick could slide in at either safety spot over Nate Allen at free safety or Reshad Jones at strong safety. Both are approaching 30 years old.
Fitzpatrick has also shown his ability to play anywhere on the field, as he has played cornerback this year and is quickly moving up the draft boards everywhere, as CBS Sports ranks him as the second-best prospect overall.
On the year, Fitzpatrick has made 28 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, along with breaking up four passes and picking off one.