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New England Patriots: Full 2018 first round NFL mock draft

By Kenneth Teape

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 30: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers chose Jameis Winston of the Florida State Seminoles /
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OAK No. 10 Overall Pick: Alabama S Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Oakland Raiders won a lot of headlines this offseason with their head coaching hire. Oakland is bringing back Jon Gruden to be their head man. The Raiders have two glaring needs defensively at linebacker and defensive back. With Roquan Smith going one pick earlier, the Raiders address their need in the defensive backfield.

With the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Raiders land Alabama hybrid safety/cornerback, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick would be an excellent addition to a Raiders defense that needs help at cornerback and safety, and he can help at both.

At Alabama, Fitzpatrick was very productive. He was named a consensus All-American in 2016 and 2017. He also took home the Chuck Bednarik and Jim Thorpe awards in 2017. His versatility is what helps him stand out.

He had nine interceptions in his career at Alabama, eight of which came in the first two seasons and four he returned for a touchdown. Fitzpatrick added 16.5 tackles for loss, five sacks 24 passes defended and two forced fumbles for an impressive collegiate career.

Fitzpatrick will stick his nose into the action as an active run stopper. The closer he is to the line of scrimmage, the more productive he is. However, he isn’t a slouch in pass coverage, as he is best lining up in the slot, something not all cornerbacks is capable of doing.

Oakland has whiffed in the secondary in recent drafts and free agencies. Fitzpatrick will help snap that streak.

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