Why the Minkah Fitzpatrick hype is real and DolphinsTalk’s latest
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins didn’t really “shock” anyone when they drafted secondary standout Minkah Fitzpatrick of Alabama but is recent hype about him real?
Did the Miami Dolphins get a major steal in Aprils draft when they selected Minkah Fitzpatrick? That is something that fans have been debating since Miami made him their first round pick. Versatile? Yes. Fitzpatrick can play safety, corner, and hybrid linebacker.
On DolphinsTalk podcast Fitzpatrick is the topic of discussion and rightfully so. They also discuss the trio of Dolphins who left for the WFL in the 1970’s as well as what undrafted rookies have a shot to make the roster.
Fitzpatrick is dynamic. In a recent interview with local media, Fitzpatrick said that he is learning a lot of positions and will do and player wherever the Dolphins ask him to. That will be the question heading into camp in another two weeks.
How will defensive coordinator Matt Burke use Fitzpatrick?
Miami has promising Xavien Howard and Cordrea Tankersley playing on the outside and Bobby McCain and Tony Lippett playing slot corner and nickel. At safety the Dolphins have Reshad Jones and T.J. McDonald. Will they move him up?
Fitzpatrick could play a hybrid style linebacker where he can rush the passer but more importantly cover the tight-end, something Miami struggles with. He is hard-hitting and has good field vision which allows him to get into position to make plays.
Training camp is going to flush a lot of this out but if Fitzpatrick’s college talent adjusts quickly to the NFL level, and many think that it will, Miami can not afford to keep him on the sideline and that is one reason some believe that McDonald may see less playing time as Fitzpatrick moves back to safety.
More from Phin Phanatic
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
In reality, Fitzpatrick who is spending a lot of time in the film room, is one player that could take the defense to the next level. Is they hype around him real? Yes but he has to prove it.
Fitzpatrick is using Stephen Ross for motivation as well. Shortly after he was drafted, rumors swirled that Ross did not like the pick and wanted the Dolphins to trade back. “We’ll see. You never know about these things,” Ross said after day one of the draft. A Boston Globe report later said he was not thrilled with the selection.
The Globe report cited money the Dolphins would pay at 11 for any selection. Ross later told the Miami Herald that it would never be about money but that he did speak up about making sure they were certain about this pick.
Whatever the reasons, Fitzpatrick is using that as motivation to make Ross see how good he can be. Now he needs to find the position that fits both he and the Dolphins the best and that is on Matt Burke.
Training camp for Fitzpatrick and the other rookies start on the 18th of July.