I try not to get too excited about rookies, but it’s hard for me not to get too excited about Minkah Fitzpatrick, as he is going to be a star. Last Sunday Fitzpatrick made a game changing play when Tennessee Titans went for it on 4th and goal at the 3, the Titans call a rub route to one of their receivers and it was a touchdown, but Fitzpatrick read the play and made the tackle to stop the Titans. Instead of the score being 10-0, Fitzpatrick stops them from scoring and the Dolphins go down the field 98 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. It’s the type of impact play the Dolphins have need from their 1st round pick. The Dolphins haven’t drafted a lot of game changing players and it looks like they have one in Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick is always around the football and is a sure tackler. Think about it last year and would the Dolphins have made that play at the goal line? I don’t think so. Fitzpatrick is a smart, intelligent player with great instincts, and isn’t afraid to make contact. These types of traits remind me of Zach Thomas. That maybe a little over the top, but when is the last time the Dolphins drafted a defensive player with the intelligence, instincts, and nose for the football? I couldn’t really think of anyone else. When Thomas played he was always around the ball making plays and that’s the way I see Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick needs to be on the field a lot because the Dolphins are a better defense with him in even if he is starting out as a nickel back. He can play a variety of positions or as general manager Chris Grier says “he’s the swiss army knife” Fitzpatrick is going to only get better and he has a bright future.
1000% agree. He is the boost that defense desperately needs. Drake is the boost to the offense.