NFL Draft Grades 2018: Miami Dolphins select Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11

The Miami Dolphins saw defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick fall to them at No. 11 in the 2018 NFL Draft and they nabbed him with the pick.

Like with any team, there were a lot of rumors surrounding the Miami Dolphins entering the 2018 NFL Draft, some of which had them trading up to select a quarterback — that didn’t happen. Instead, Mike Tannenbaum and Chris Grier stood pat and allowed a top-10 prospect to fall into their laps.

Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is a versatile defensive back who looked like an elite talent at safety in 2016 and still a first-round talent at cornerback in 2017. The 6-0, 204-pounder has his flaws as a tackler, but when asked to drop back and provide coverage, there’s no better safety in the draft with more range.

He’s been praised for his elite level football IQ in addition to being able to play nickel in addition the lining up at safety. What allowed him to drop in the draft was the constant movement by the other teams who needed to select a quarterback. There were other players on the board that fans and media suspected the Dolphins would select, but Fitzpatrick wasn’t one of them because he likely wasn’t going to be there.

Now they have a legit free safety and a guy who can line up and cover the guys in the slot. For the Fins, Fitzpatrick is an excellent complementary player for Pro Bowler Reshad Jones, who plays close to the line of scrimmage. The addition of Fitzpatrick could mean that there’s a chance the 6-3, 220-pound T.J. McDonald, another box safety, could move to linebacker and make this a two-for-one deal.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Round 1 instant grades, reactions

With young cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley taking care of the outside, Fitzpatrick can slide inside and provide the much needed help. The Miami Dolphins were able to get a fantastic player who that fits a need and for that they get a high grade. 

Grade: A