Minkah Fitzpatrick, S, Alabama: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

The safety position has taken on greater importance in recent years. So where does Minkah Fitzpatrick stand on that front going into 2018?

Position: S

School: Alabama

Year: Junior

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 203 lbs

STRENGTHS:

• A tremendous athlete given his size. Covers a lot of space with his closing speed to where he’s able to force runners back inside on outside stretches and screens.
• Clearly comfortable operating in the deep part of the field. Has that corner knack for being smooth in his backpedal and rarely ever lets a receiver get past him down the field.
• Is able to play press coverage when asked. Has a corner background and does a good job of using his hands to play physical but without causing penalties.
• Capable down in the box. Recognizes where the run is going and how to fill gaps. Also shows plenty of prowess as an extra blitzer.

If people want to understand how crazy a physical specimen Fitzpatrick is, just watch this clip. He’s a 200 lbs safety taking on a 300 lbs offensive tackle and literally pushes his way through the block to get pressure on the quarterback. He doesn’t win with speed or finesse. It’s pure power. How many players at his position can honestly do that?

• A communicator on the field and vocal leader. Does a good job of letting teammates know where to line up and what they need to do pre-snap.
• Amidst all his defensive abilities, it’s often overlooked how effective he can be as a gunner on special teams. Has made a number of positive plays there too.

WEAKNESSES:

• For all his athletic capabilities, one of the more frustrating issues is his tackling. It’s wildly inconsistent. He’s great on some plays and then just awful on others.
• Sometimes takes bad angles to the football, giving runners a chance for a wide open cutback lane for big gains.

This is an example of that problem. Fitzpatrick is in on the play from the start but his hesitation and poor angle give the runner plenty of time to find the cutback lane, leading to a huge gain for Auburn. Pro running backs and wide receivers will be able to feast on this issue until he’s able to get it cleaned up.

• Though he’s plenty fluid and agile, he has a bad habit of getting caught flat-footed in coverage, starting his turns too late and allowing good route runners to slip past him.
• Needs to be more aware when trailing receivers deep. Has a tendency to not get his head around at times. Veteran receivers will turn that into pass interference.

Pro Comparison: Harrison Smith

He might very well be the best safety in the NFL right now. Harrison Smith can do anything and everything there is to do at the position. He’s outstanding in coverage and also an able blitzer. His size-athleticism combination make him one of those defenders that can’t be ignored. Throw in his intelligence for the game and it makes for the ultimate headache for an offense.

Projection: Top 10 pick

So many teams to this day regret letting Smith fall as far as he did in the draft a few years back. Since then safeties have gained a higher standing in terms of selections early. Given the accomplishments and capabilities that Fitzpatrick possesses to this point, it’s difficult to see anything but an injury forcing him out of the top 10 this April.