2018 NFL Draft profile: Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick is Mr. Versatility
Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick did a bit of everything during his three years at Alabama and that’ll make him a coveted NFL Draft prospect.
When you’re a defensive back at Alabama, you’re likely going to have a chance at playing in the NFL for a long time. That’s certainly the case for do-it-all defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick who will parlay his three years learning under Nick Saban and two years under Kirby Smart into being a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s got a chance to be the first defensive back off the board
Below, you’ll find my insight into what makes Fitzpatrick such an attractive prospect and what he’ll bring to the NFL team that drafts him.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama
There may not be a bigger competitor in the draft than Fitzpatrick. The 6-1, 200-pound defensive back is the latest to come off the Alabama assembly line and should be an immediate starter and help change the culture of his new team.
Fitzpatrick may not have a defined position but that’s okay because he’s experienced doing a bit of everything at Alabama.
He began his career playing the star position before moving to safety as a sophomore when he led the team with six interceptions. As a junior, he moved back to his do-it-all safety role where he’d line up as a slot cornerback, blitz off the edge and even play in sub-packages as a linebacker.
He’s also a dynamite contributor on special teams where he can also make an impact as a rookie.
I think he should continue to do all of that in the NFL and remind teams of former first round pick, Antrel Rolle who could play at the line of scrimmage or 15 yards off the ball as a high safety.
Fitzpatrick played in three national championship games in his college career, winning two of them, and has all the intangibles in the world. He has Pro Bowl potential with the ability to serve as the face and leader of his the defense for years. I have him a cut below last year’s No. 6 overall pick, Jamal Adams, who looks like a stud already for the New York Jets, but I expect similar production and the ability to begin to change the culture for whatever losing team he gets drafted to at the end of the month
Draft projection: Top 10