2018 NFL Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns select Josh Rosen No. 1
By Brad Weiss
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Defensive Back, Alabama
One of the bigger disappointments of the 2017 NFL season has been the Oakland Raiders, who were recently blown out by the New England Patriots in Mexico City, Mexico. The bugaboo with this franchise for years has been the play of their secondary, and Tom Brady made quick work of them in Week 11. Brady completed 30-of-37 passes for over 330 yards, while finding the end zone three times against a poor Oakland defensive backfield.
Last April, the Raiders spent their first round pick on a cornerback, selecting Gareon Conley from Ohio State. That pick has proven to be a bad one, as Conley never was able to get healthy enough to be a real contributor to the team this season. With their first round pick in 2018, they should once again choose to go with a defensive back, though this time picking one that is as sure-fire a talent as their is in this draft class.
Minkah Fitzpatrick has been a leader on the Alabama defense the last few seasons, and had the luxury of playing in some big games during his career. Fitzpatrick is the best cover corner in this draft class, and the Raiders need a player of his caliber in their secondary. If Oakland is ever going to take the next step in the AFC, they have to be able to protect against the pass, and bringing in a guy like Fitzpatrick would instantly give them the top cornerback they have been lacking since Charles Woodson decided to hang them up.