2018 NFL Draft: Minkah Fitpatrick, CB, Alabama early look

2018 NFL Draft. Taking a look at the stellar Alabama Crimson Tide football program, and their top draft eligible prospects for the coming season…

The Alabama Crimson Tide football program has been cranking out NFL caliber talent for a long, long time. Recently, they’ve been a college football powerhouse and a pipeline for the professional ranks, sending big numbers of players year after year.

The 2018 NFL Draft will likely be no different.

Let’s dive in and take a look at the top draft-eligible players for the Tide, starting with arguably the best defensive back in college football…

Minkah Fitzpatrick (JR), DB

6’1″ 203 pounds

2016 Stats: 66 tackles, 6 INT (2 TDs), 5 TFL, 7 PBU, 1 FF, 1 sack

* Consensus All-American, Consensus 1st Team All-SEC

Key stat via PFF:

Strengths

• Fitzpatrick’s size is an obvious positive. As young as he is, to already have an NFL build is a huge plus. Not only does he have an NFL build as a bigger cornerback, he has a good build for a free safety as well.
• Versatility will also be a positive for Fitzpatrick. He can play the slot, play outside, in the box, or deep as a free safety. Alabama moves him around the formation and rightfully so. He also excels deep downfield in coverage or playing more physical.
• Athleticism. Fitzpatrick is obviously an elite athlete when you watch him on tape, and scouts will be blown away by his abilities when he works out at the Combine and/or his pro day.
• Fitzpatrick has some of the best ball skills I have seen. He had six interceptions this past season, but could have very easily had more than that. He gets his hands on the football when it’s thrown in his direction.
• This is always a very underrated trait for college players, but it’s clear that Fitzpatrick has a very ‘pro’ approach to his game. Not just on the field, but off. He conducts his business like a professional, and he will be rewarded handsomely for that.
• Plays — and excels — on special teams

Areas to Improve

• As good as he was last season, it was pretty impressive considering the amount he struggled when playing outside corner. This is one of the primary reasons why many feel he will translate to the safety position best at the NFL level.
• Fitzpatrick was sloppy in his technique at times, and didn’t always finish plays which allowed for some big gains.
• Three of Fitzpatrick’s six interceptions came in one game last year, so even if it’s unfair, I’d like to see that type of dominance spread out over a number of games.

Next: Where does Fitzpatrick land in 2018?

Bottom Line

Fitzpatrick enters the 2017 season as a clear top 10-15 prospect in college football. He has the size, speed, and football IQ that NFL scouts and coaches will all be eager to get their hands on. He looks like a very clean prospect, but it will be interesting to see how he fares after Alabama lost so many players from a dominant defense.