Dairyland Express
Fansided

Green Bay Packers mock draft: Full 7 rounds

By Mike Wendlandt

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds the trophy while celebrating with his team after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds the trophy while celebrating with his team after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. Alabama won 26-23. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 13
Next

Round 1, No. 14: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

Following a run on quarterbacks (four of the first five picks, five in the first twelve), and a surprising fall for Saquon Barkley (13th to Washington), the Packers lost out on the top Edge rushers, but are able to snag the most versatile and pro-ready defensive back in the draft with Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Statistically, he was as well-rounded as a safety gets, with five career sacks and 9 interceptions in his college career. Add in 16.5 tackles for loss and you have a ballhawk who gets into the backfield. Here’s what the experts say about him.

From Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

"Fitzpatrick turns up the intensity level as high as it will go and and rips off the knob until the game is over. Fitzpatrick has experience as a slot cornerback, but will likely be targeted as a “do-everything” safety who can be deployed as a sub-package linebacker, a blitzer or in the slot against big receivers and move tight ends. Fitzpatrick has consistently shined since his freshman season on Alabama defenses that have been loaded with NFL talent. His versatility, football character and desire to succeed should make him an early starter."

From Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (creator of the Big Board we used):

"Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the cleanest players in the entire class. He is a superb leader on and off the field, has excellent football intelligence and was routinely the best player in his college games. His projection isn’t as easy because he’ll likely move into a full-time safety role in the NFL, but Fitzpatrick has all the tools of a top-10 pick."

Using his versatility to play both free safety and cornerback, Fitzpatrick would be the upgraded version of Micah Hyde at his most basic while being a Tyrann Mathieu-esque playmaker at his best. He would immediately step in and be the slot corner for Mike Pettine, eventually taking over as the leader of the defensive backfield.

A back-end consisting of Kevin King, Tramon Williams, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Josh Jones, Fitzpatrick, Kentrell Brice, and a couple of other guys that you’ll read about later will be a massive upgrade over what we’ve seen the past few years.

To see a profile of Fitzpatrick as well as other corners the Packers could take, take a look at this from Brian Sampson.

Home/Green Bay Packers