2018 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets 3-round mock 3.0

Some may be thinking, “Another safety?” No, another defensive back. Although Minkah Fitzpatrick ended up as an All-American safety at Alabama, he was named a Freshman All-American at cornerback his freshman year.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted the New York Jets would draft Fitzpatrick in his first mock draft:

"Fitzpatrick is the top cornerback and safety in this draft. He could play either position. He was primarily a safety at Alabama, but he covered receivers in the slot and on the outside, and he consistently made plays. New York took safeties with its top two picks last year (Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye), so Fitzpatrick would be a corner for the Jets, who have an opening with Morris Claiborne a free agent this offseason. This is another spot to watch for one of the top quarterbacks."

Fitzpatrick is a fantastic athlete with fluid hips and a great backpedal. He could be a cover corner at the next level and also has the ball skills to put up Pro Bowl interception and pass defense numbers.

Fitzpatrick is also more than willing to come up and contribute in the running game but he needs to improve his tackling technique. All too often he just dives at runners’ legs which won’t work as well in the NFL.

Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks highlights Fitzpatrick’s strengths and sees him as a top-10 pick, comparing him to the Minnesota Vikings’ Harrison Smith:

"Given the accomplishments and capabilities that Fitzpatrick possesses to this point, it’s difficult to see anything but an injury forcing him out of the top 10 this April."

With or without re-signing Morris Claiborne, the New York Jets could use a player like Minkah Fitzpatrick. After back-to-back safeties to start off last year’s draft, another defensive back may seem like overkill. However, after both Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye looked like quality selections this season, Fitzpatrick could help complete a dominant Gang Green secondary.