2018 NFL Draft: Dolphins nab versatile DB Minkah Fitzpatrick with No. 11 pick

The Miami Dolphins made the smart pick, selecting do-it-all defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick with the No. 11 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Minkah Fitzpatrick comes off a national championship year with Alabama and will surely help the Dolphins get a championship of their own. Over his three-year college career, Fitzpatrick recorded 171 total tackles, 16.5 of them being for a loss.  He also racked up five sacks, nine interceptions, and 24 passes defended.

The 6-foot, 204 pound safety was named a First Team All-American and was a top recruit out of high school. Some of Fitzpatrick’s biggest strengths are his intensity, competitiveness, and speed.

He has great awareness in the backfield and can also be a pass rusher when he needs to be. Fitzpatrick is a versatile player and can be used in special teams as he had 22 coverage tackles in college. Though he was listed as a safety for Alabama, Fitzpatrick played cornerback as well.

One of the most important skills for a defensive back is footwork, and Fitzpatrick is able to go forwards and backwards with ease.

The Dolphins struggled with covering the middle of the field last season, Fitzpatricks quickness and mobility will help in the defense holding tight. Though one of the best players to come out of Alabama, he has some weaknesses that coaches need to work on. Fitzpatrick has a tendency to get himself out of position and allow too much separation in coverage.

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The Dolphins have four safeties on roster, including Reshad Jones, Trae Elston, T.J. McDonald, and Maurice Smith. Fitzpatricks will rotate in with McDonald and Jones for playing time, and fills one of Miami’s biggest needs in depth.