College Football Week 3: NFL Draft big board rankings
Minkah Fitzpatrick
S, Alabama
As one of the nation’s top playmaking defenders, Fitzpatrick will be getting plenty of NFL draft attention, particularly if he’s able to stuff the stat sheet once again in 2017.
The Crimson Tide didn’t need Fitzpatrick to do much in Saturday’s easy 41-10 victory over Fresno State, as he recorded just two tackles. Fitzpatrick got off to a strong start with a dynamic performance against Alabama, and appears well on his way to making a second straight first-team All-American squad.
The former blue chip recruit contributed to a stacked Alabama secondary as a true freshman in 2015 before developing into a star the next season with 66 tackles and six interceptions. Alabama had to move Fitzpatrick between cornerback and safety due to injuries, and his level of play did not drop off at all.
Fitzpatrick is terrific at diagnosing plays from anywhere on the field, and can use his outstanding athleticism to make plays on the ball, With two pick sixes and a punt return touchdown on his resume already, Fitzpatrick shows that he can impact a game in a number of different ways, and he has the versatility to cover anyone down the field.
Alabama’s defense should dominate this week against Colorado State, but more difficult matchups await Fitzpatrick and the Crimson Tide later on this season.