Browns: Top 5 safety targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

1. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best prospect in the defensive backfield in this entire class. I know it. You know. Everyone knows it. He is the perfect mix of polish and upside, physicality and mentality. Alabama cornerback and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick simply has it all.

At about 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Fitzpatrick has average size for the position. His production is steady and yet stellar. He played as a freshman right away in 2015 and produced throughout his entire career.

In 2017, Fitzpatrick emerged as the leader of the Crimson Tide’s defense. He collected 60 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and seven batted passes. His mental game was even better, as he became a true locker room leader behind head coach Nick Saban and the rest of the Tide.

Fitzpatrick loves football, and it shows both on the field and off of it. Fitzpatrick makes plays, is electrifying for any defense, and almost always makes the right play at the right time.

Out of his nine interceptions on his career, four of them have been returned for touchdowns. Fitzpatrick is relentless in his play, and has a motor perhaps like no other player in this class.

Fitzpatrick can also play cornerback, although with his slight lack of cover skill and patience, that might not translate to the next level. He works best as a ranging safety in the defensive backfield, and could make for a great pairing with Jabrill Peppers.

His only real weakness is that one of his two positions might not translate to the NFL, and that he lacks patience, which will come with coaching and age. Those are pretty small problems to have.

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Overall, Fitzpatrick is a can’t-miss prospect in this year’s NFL Draft. At a position the Browns need help in, Fitzpatrick is the best in the class. Should the Browns look for a defensive talent with the fourth overall pick, Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick simply must be their guy.