2018 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

11. Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Miami Dolphins

2018 Stats: 80 total tackles, 2 INTs, 9 passes defended, 1 TD

Overall, I’d say Minkah Fitzpatrick had a pretty impressive first year in the league. Between the numbers he produced and the impact he had for the Miami Dolphins defense, it’s hard to ignore what the young safety did for one of the NFL’s subpar pass defenses.

It’s all the more surprising that Miami finished 21st against the pass in 2018 considering the fact that they had Fitzpatrick, Xavien Howard and Reshad Jones all starting in the defensive backfield. However, they often struggled to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Still, Fitzpatrick made the most of the opportunities that were presented to him.

The Alabama product got his hands on the ball plenty of times, deflecting nine passes and intercepting another two — including one he brought back for six points. On top of that, he was exceptional as a run defender, routinely stepping up and getting his nose dirty to slow opposing backs. His performance was so strong, he was one of the only Dolphins to receive an All-Pro vote.

In the end, though, Fitzpatrick will often be remembered as the safety who the Dolphins drafted instead of Derwin James. That’s not necessarily a knock on Fitzpatrick, but more a realization that Miami missed the opportunity to grab the NFL’s next elite safety.

Grade: A-