San Francisco 49ers: 5 First-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after he and Isaiah Buggs #49 sack Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Alabama

Having been tormented by Tyrann Mathieu in previous seasons, the 49ers have the chance to draft a player who could fill a similar role in their defense in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Like Mathieu, Fitzpatrick brings the versatility to play both safety positions and nickel and outside corner. Throughout his career at Alabama, he spent at least some time doing it all in the Crimson Tide secondary.

But Fitzpatrick is both taller and faster than Mathieu and his combination of instincts and athleticism, as well as the ability to cover receivers from the slot and on deep routes, makes him an extremely exciting prospect capable of taking the secondary to the next level.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Final projection on draft day

Excellent at diagnosing screens and play-fakes and capable of changing his assignment on the fly, Fitzpatrick is a player who can add new dimensions to the 49ers defense and, having racked up 24 pass deflections and nine interceptions at Alabama, would provide another turnover threat on the back end to go with Richard Sherman.