NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 13
DB. Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick. 2. player. 42.
The 49ers shored up their quarterback problem by trading for New England Patriot backup Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this season. They were rumored to be in the market for Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, but that bid has been quelled, at least for this year. They have a good amount of pieces on offense to surround him, which turns the attention to the defensive side of the ball.
Minkah Fitpatrick could be the most versatile defender of this draft class. He’s played just about every spot in the defensive backfield for the Alabama Crimson Tide. The 49ers could put him at corner or safety and they need help everywhere. The 49ers secondary lacks a lock-down presence. Adding Fitpatrick to the likes of Ahkelo Witherspoon and Dontae Johnson on the edges would be an immediate improvement.
His vision in the open field is phenomenal. When he snags an interception he poses an immediate mismatch between himself and the scattered offensive players that he leaves in his wake. He’s a champion, a play-maker, and some that opposing offenses would do well to steer away from.
Fitzpatrick has 44 tackles and one forced fumble, one interception and five passes defended so far this season.