2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold lead the way
By Brad Weiss
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Defensive Back, Alabama
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a tough one to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, and through the first 14 weeks of the NFL season, they have been quite a disappointment. With their loss on Sunday, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention, which is pretty shocking to say the least. Most believed that quarterback Jameis Winston would lead them to the playoffs this season, after taking a big step forward during his solid 2016 campaign.
If the season ended tomorrow, the Bucs would be picking in the top-10 of the 2018 NFL Draft, which is likely where they will find themselves next April. With that pick, they should look to bring in some young depth in the secondary, and Minkah Fitzpatrick would be a nice pick at No. 8. The Bucs need help back there, and with the NFC South being so pass-happy, having a mediocre secondary is never going to win the division.
Winston battled some injuries this season, and the team definitely took a step back. However, he is still one of the better young quarterbacks in the NFL, and should be able to get this organization back on track. Fitzpatrick could wind up being one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL next season, and just as Marshon Lattimore did for the New Orleans Saints this year, he could turn around a pretty weak defensive back unit in Tampa Bay.