Dolphins fortify defense with versatile DB Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Miami Dolphins selected defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick out of Alabama with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Fitzpatrick played primarily as a safety under Nick Saban, but he can also play in the slot and has the size to potentially move to outside cornerback.

Lauded for his leadership and work ethic, he should be the key cog for a Dolphins defense that lost Ndamukong Suh and lacks game-changing players in the secondary.

Minkah Fitzpatrick Bio

Position: S
School: Alabama
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 201 lbs

Strengths

• Gravitates to the ball and is an outstanding playmaker with the capability to turn interceptions into touchdowns.
• A decorated high school recruit who exceeded the hype.
• Used effectively in blitz packages and can be disguised as a hybrid linebacker. Also has the positional flexibility to play cornerback.
• Delivers crushing hits and does a good job of wrapping up ball carriers.
• Excels as a special teams gunner.
• Displays very good recovery speed and can make up for footwork mistakes.

Weaknesses

• Can run himself out of the play due to exuberance and will need to become more consistent in pursuit.
• Sometimes struggles to match wide receivers step-for-step while playing outside cornerback.

Athletic testing