Some of the latest mock drafts have the Bucs taking Minkah Fitzpatrick, a safety from Alabama, with the 7th overall pick. Standing at 6’1″, and weighing in at 203 pounds, the Junior is listed as a safety but could be used in various positions much like the Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey. With as many holes as their defensive backfield has, the Bucs could definitely use a player with that kind of skill set.
Last season, for the Crimson Tide, he totaled 60 total tackles, 8 for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and an INT. Some scouts have even said that once he gets drafted, he will already be a top 5 safety in the league as a rookie. Fitzpatrick was known in Alabama as a tremendous athlete that could cover a lot of space with his closing speed. He can come up into the box and has proven that he can be an excellent blitzer.
Should the Bucs draft Fitzpatrick?? If they do, they must find a playmaker at DE in free agency. It is imperative that they get a veteran, such as free-agent DE Ezekiel Ansah, to free up Gerald McCoy to allow him to do what he does best, ie cause havoc in the opponent’s backfield. Without a pass rush, it won’t matter who is at safety.
Edited By Morgan Adele
