Lombardi Ave
FanSided

Packers 2018 Draft scouting report: DB Minkah Fitzpatrick

By Keegan Jackish

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 05: Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (DB51) runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 5, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

A look at one of the most versatile players in this year’s class, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, and his potential fit with the Green Bay Packers.

Minkah Fitzpatrick is the type of player that can instantly transform a entire defense and instantly be the leader for the entire team.

Fitzpatrick is incredibly smart for a 21-year-old so much so that Michael Weinreb of Bleacher Report recently compared Fitzpatrick’s mind to Nick Saban.

Fitzpatrick’s football IQ will be appealing to every front office in the league and I think that his leadership will be even more appealing to teams that could use a overhaul on defense such as Cleveland or Indianapolis.

Pros

No position in the secondary he can’t play. Solid tackler for a defensive back. Excels in the slot, especially in man coverage.

Alabama used him to blitz off the edge a lot and NFL defensive coordinators will be able to use him for that purpose as well. Very instinctive. Reads the eyes of the quarterback well. Great in run support. If his primary position is safety in the NFL he’ll be like having another linebacker out there.

Great in red zone coverage. Will be able to limit teams’ ability to throw in goal line situations. Recovers and reacts well after giving up a pass.

Handled the pressure of playing in the college football playoff during his time at Alabama well. Absolutely no off-field concerns. Future team captain.

Cons

Did not test very well at the combine compared to other defensive backs historically according to mockdraftable.com.

More from Lombardi Ave

I would have liked to have seen better bench press numbers (14, according to NFL.com), especially if he plays safety.

Alabama primarily used him as a slot corner last year and that could make it a little harder for him to transition as a corner on the outside in the NFL.

It wouldn’t hurt to increase his weight if he wants to play strong safety in the NFL.

Fit with Green Bay

Fitzpatrick would be a dream pick for the Packers for multiple reasons. He would instantly fill the team’s biggest need, be an instant leader in the locker room, and would bring a defensive talent to that team via the draft that they may not have gotten since they moved up for Clay Matthews in 2009.

Could he end up in Green Bay?

Not unless he falls outside of the top five and GM Brian Gutekunst decides to pay a big price to move up for him.

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

When will he be picked?

Top 5

Pro comparison

Jalen Ramsey

Career outlook

Future Pro Bowler

Grade

88/100

Home/Green Bay Packers Draft