NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11

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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 25: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after making the tackle in the second quarter during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

11. Miami Dolphins: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB

Considered to be the top safety prospect in the draft, Minkah Fitzpatrick was heralded at Alabama for his ability to play coverage in the slot while still offering a centerfield type of defender. He was often mocked in the top 10, but in the end, just missed out on that honor. That likely had to do with 40 percent of the top-10 going to quarterbacks in this class.

Once he joined Miami, he put those coverage skills that made him so highly coveted to the test as a nickel corner. Fitzpatrick played this role well and looked to be a solid addition. Since then, he’s spent more time at safety. He hasn’t been bad, but he was better in the cornerback role. To date, Fitzpatrick has five starts in 10 games.

He’s shown an ability to get around the ball as evidenced by his 52 tackles. He hasn’t made a lot of impact plays though as he has five pass breakups and one pick on the season.

Making it look worse, Derwin James dropped down to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 17 and has been a much better safety than Fitzpatrick. This could be due to James having a solid role whereas the Dolphins have moved Fitzpatrick around a bit.

Grade: C+

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