Minkah Fitzpatrick - CB/S, Alabama

Can you point me to a game where he demonstrates that he's a shutdown corner? I'm genuinely curious because this guy is either in the box, in the slot or off the screen most of the time.

Also, make sure you're factoring his fit here. This is a zone-based scheme where he'd play off with his eyes on the QB and a lot of press and bail. This isn't a man scheme where he's going to man up a guy and mirror him across the field. His skill set needs to fit what we do here.

Originally posted by Heroism:
Can you point me to a game where he demonstrates that he's a shutdown corner? I'm genuinely curious because this guy is either in the box, in the slot or off the screen most of the time.

Also, make sure you're factoring his fit here. This is a zone-based scheme where he'd play off with his eyes on the QB and a lot of press and bail. This isn't a man scheme where he's going to man up a guy and mirror him across the field. His skill set needs to fit what we do here.

From reports of his overall ability.

No tape? I don't care for reports, I want to see the tape. The evidence.

Originally posted by Heroism:
No tape? I don't care for reports, I want to see the tape. The evidence.

Obviously, that is the best way. In the meantime, we have to rely on how expert observers extrapolate what they see in terms of how that might be used. By the time the combine comes around, we will likely have a clearer picture.

i'm trying hard to post videos but having a hard time in doing so. He's one of the most reliable shut down corners play in and play out. For those who question is CB play ability wet your beaks on this:
The opponent's passer rating when targeting Fitzpatrick is a minuscule 37.8

Yes he projects as a Safety with his size, but his speed & athletic ability gives him an edge to play corner. Given how Ward can't stay on the field i would love Fitzpatrick to replace him at the FS spot. Remember he only went to FS last year because Eddie Jackson broke his leg. Look for the article from Saban where he is talking about how much film he studies and time he invests in the film room. The guy is a ball hawk.
If anyone has been following Jamal Adams this year then i think the safe & smart pick is indeed Fitzs

I'm 1 minute into some 2016 tape vs Arkansas, and he gets completely turned around by the slot receiver lol. But that aside, I'm seeing that when he's outside, he's asked to do a lot similar stuff at Alabama that we do here, which I expected since our secondary principles stem from Belichick/Saban.

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:

O.k., if it's the following scenario, who do you pick: The Niners have the #4 pick and they don't make a trade.

Who would you take from the following:

A) Quenton Nelson
B) Roquan Smith
C) Saquon Barkley
D) Minkah Fitzpatrick

At this time, I would take Nelson as I feel he's that good of a talent at Guard.

At this time I would choose between Barkley and Nelson. Think I would choose the game changer Barkley right now as he is a stud pass catching RB the offense needs. Garoppolo seems to operate with the oline sufficiently and after seeing a couple games guard does not seem quite as pressing (see Hyde dropping passes that Garoppolo got out just in time)

Originally posted by Heroism:
I'm 1 minute into some 2016 tape vs Arkansas, and he gets completely turned around by the slot receiver lol. But that aside, I'm seeing that when he's outside, he's asked to do a lot similar stuff at Alabama that we do here, which I expected since our secondary principles stem from Belichick/Saban.

lol this was his sophmore year in which he was primarily playing the FS spot. Of course there will be a play here and there where he gets burned. i mean don't they all?

Originally posted by wailers15:
lol this was his sophmore year in which he was primarily playing the FS spot. Of course there will be a play here and there where he gets burned. i mean don't they all?

"Shut down" implies shutting down a player.

I'm barely into the tape, so I'm reserving judgment.

Originally posted by dj43:

Originally posted by LottDMontanaO:
O.k., if it's the following scenario, who do you pick: The Niners have the #4 pick and they don't make a trade.

Who would you take from the following:

A) Quenton Nelson
B) Roquan Smith
C) Saquon Barkley
D) Minkah Fitzpatrick

At this time, I would take Nelson as I feel he's that good of a talent at Guard.

As good as Nelson appears to be, I don't see him being worth #4 or #5.

I take Fitzpatrick. Shut down corner with versatility is hard to find.

The only thing I see that could hamper his value is indecision among teams whether he best fits as a safety or a CB. I'd argue if he fits the CB mold for our defense then he has to be right at the top of the list for San Francisco. Barkley would be nice but i just don't see a Shanahan coached team grabbing on this early in the draft.

Alternatively, SF could attempt to recoup its lost 2nd round pick by moving back a few slots.

To other points you've made. I agree. True shutdown corners rarely come available and, if they do, its because their contract demands and/or personality are time bombs. A drafted CB has far more value to a team than a drafted G because guards can more easily be replaced in free agency. Assuming the drafted CB and G both become stars.

Originally posted by Heroism:
"Shut down" implies shutting down a player.

I'm barely into the tape, so I'm reserving judgment.

10-4

A solid starting point is looking at that 37.8% completion percentages that QB's have when throwing against him

All those numbers and stats mean absolutely nothing to me. I want to see the tape.

He's definitely not "shut down" defending the slot. I hope his outside tape is better, but he doesn't really play in one spot.

Originally posted by Heroism:
All those numbers and stats mean absolutely nothing to me. I want to see the tape.

He's definitely not "shut down" defending the slot. I hope his outside tape is better, but he doesn't really play in one spot.

ture yet you are looking at tape from his sophomore year. in which he's made such huge strides

Originally posted by Heroism:
All those numbers and stats mean absolutely nothing to me. I want to see the tape.

He's definitely not "shut down" defending the slot. I hope his outside tape is better, but he doesn't really play in one spot.

if you can find tape on the Vandy & A&M game there are a few good slot matchups that he was lined up in. the jump of IQ on tape is dramatic from his SO year to his JR year. this year he showed and proved why he is a shutdown corner. i'm assuming you haven't really watched a lot of Bama games this year?

I've asked for suggestions. It seems Minkah fans don't even know what his best games are playing outside.