With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

7. player. 48. . Defensive Back. Alabama Crimson Tide. Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have voids to fill on both ends of the ball, but nothing is quite as concerning as the underwhelming pass defense. In a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan, the Buccaneers must put an end to that inconsistency.

For as tempting as being the team to scoop up Marcus Davenport may be, Minkah Fitzpatrick is the best player available—and he fits a need.

No team allowed more passing yards than Tampa Bay during the 2017 NFL regular season. The best cornerback on the roster was 34-year-old Brent Grimes, and safeties Chris Conte and T.J. Ward both took steps in the wrong direction.

One could argue that a primary reason the secondary suffered was the absence of an ideal pass rush, but Fitzpatrick is too grand of a talent to not at least explore drafting.

Fitzpatrick can line up at safety or cornerback, which is invaluable versatility for any team or system. He’ll likely specialize in slot coverage at the next level, but the potential exists for him to line up outside and work opposite Vernon Hargreaves III.

Regardless of how it works out, the Buccaneers need talent on the defensive end of the ball—and Fitzpatrick is the easily best player available.

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