NFL Draft 2018: Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is this year’s lockdown DB
The 2018 NFL Draft has as clearcut favorite at the safety position in Minkah Fitzpatrick. What makes the Alabama star great?
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With the changing offensive landscape in the NFL from “pro style” to a more NCAA style of offense, NFL defenses have to find versatile hybrid players that can move around the field.
The NFL has slowly adopted the inside zone read option, some of the power read option, and run-pass options as well as hurry up tempo and the use of H-Backs flexed all over the field. These new adaptations force a defense to keep their same personnel on the field whether the formation is an empty backfield or three backs in the backfield.
The most versatile defender in the 2018 NFL Draft is Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick. In three years on the Crimson Tide defense, he won two national titles while logging 171 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, nine interceptions and scored four defensive touchdowns. He has proven he can produce statistically and physically while at Alabama.
Fitzpatrick is rated by CBS Sports as the No. 6 overall player in the 2018 NFL Draft class and the top rated free safety. Sports Illustrated has Fitzpatrick rated the third-best overall player in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Fitzpatrick has prove he has the size, hips, and speed to play free safety or cornerback against elite offensive weapons. Fitzpatrick, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound defensive back from New Jersey was a composite five-star prospect when he signed with Nick Saban in 2015.
Playing some safety and cornerback gives Fitzpatrick film at multiple positions, and the versatile ability to defend multiple formations whether it’s man-to-man against a slot, having to jam and run with tight ends or playing a centerfield role at free safety. Fitzpatrick can play strong in the run game, makes plays, and is a proven winner and leader.
Fitzpatrick has played for Nick Saban, a known defensive back play guru, and under the tutelage of highly regarded defensive minds like Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt. He enters the NFL as a polished defender that has played in an NFL style defense with coverage schemes many in the NFL have borrowed from Nick Saban. This gives him a mental edge as well as a physical edge upon entering in the NFL.
Weaknesses
His weaknesses could be unveiled at the combine if he performs poorly in the 40-yard dash, 20 shuttle, 60 shuttle or three-cone drills. He’ll also need to test well in the vertical and broad jumps in order to keep his top-10 status in the 2018 NFL Draft. Other than possible testing woes, the only knock could be his lack of participation as a kick or punt returner. However, he has scored a touchdown on his one punt return and his lone kick off return was for 39 yards.
Next: Latest pre-Combine NFL Mock Draft first round
Draft Expectations
Walter Football’s 2018 NFL Mock Draft has Minkah Fitzpatrick going No. 7 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have a multitude of needs but Fitzpatrick could be the best player available by the time the Bucs draft at seventh. The Browns, on the other hand, need playmakers and leaders on defense and could fill a hole by drafting Fitzpatrick in the No. 4 slot. The Denver Broncos and New York Jets could also decide that drafting the best player available is the better idea rather than drafting for need.
Prediction: Fitzpatrick will be selected No. 4 overall by the Browns