Provided the collective Giants braintrust comes away from their extensive draft preparation not enamored with any of the top QB prospects... I'd like to present a case for a draft prospect that isn't often discussed on BBI. Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
A local kid(from Old Bridge, NJ. Played at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City), Minkah saw a good amount of playing time in his true freshman season for Alabama(45 tackles, 11 passes broken up, a couple of sacks and 2 pick 6's). Over his Alabama career, he added to his impressive stats while playing very, very good centerfield coverage safety and a solid amount of nickel corner as well.
At 6'1", a little over 200 pounds, MF lacks ideal size but makes up for it with outstanding instincts and coverage skills.
Giving a versatile and well-rounded talent from a top college program to our new DC could significantly help return our defense to prominence. It would free up Landon Collins to play closer to the LOS while MF is in single high. Heck, you could move them both around all over the place with different presnap looks and blitz options. Really give opposing OC's fits.
Gone would be the days of our questionable safeties(I'm still trying to erase the Unga days from my memory). Opposing TEs won't have such an easy time being productive off our safeties anymore. Passing plays will be better challenged since we'd be fielding a DB group of MF, Collins, Jenkins, DRC, Cockrell, and if he can get his head on straight, Apple. That's definitely not easy to win matchups against.
Obviously, there's a large contingent who are on Team Saquon if we pass on a QB. And some on the Nelson bandwagon and if we stay a 4-3 front, some want Chubb. Most anyone would say that #2 is way too high for a safety and I fully agree. All I'm saying is if DG gets a good trade down package I wouldn't be upset at all if MF is our pick. Lord knows he could help any of the teams picking in the top 10(including the Browns who would love to pair him and Peppers together in their defensive backfield).
Scouting Report from Walter Football - (
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not that I disagree with anything you said, but a number of experts have Fitzpatrick going 3-5 in their mocks. If true that he's a top 5 pick, is he a reach at 2.
That report will have zero impact on anything.
Free up Collins. Enable multiple sets.
It's all on your value. But not crazy to add a safety.
This is not true. In fact many project him to play corner.
What is considered ideal for a free safety?
I don't recall a safety named Unga ever playing for the Giants.
No big deal though.
Kid has a great head on his shoulders. He's a natural leader and an outstanding football player. He's going to be awesome.
That said, I just can't see NYG taking him 2nd overall and don't think they should.
Once again, I'm advocating that I'd be fine with DG drafting MF after a trade down. He is regarded as a top 10 talent though.
Not anymore. The nickel position is a highly paid one. Example is our very own DRC
How much has Tyrann Matthieu been worth for the Cardinals on the field?
I would argue that Fitzpatrick is an ideal fit for Bettchers multople schemes considering he could be used in the slot, at corner or free safety.
Potential for there to still be a top 3 Qb there, Barkley, Fitz, or Chubb. And you pick up say an extra 2nd rounder and a 1st rounder next year.
I agree. Maybe top three player IMO but outstanding instincts and plays all over the field. Reminds me a little of E Thomas.
Agreed. That's why I said in the original post in the last paragraph that I'd be cool with this selection if we trade down.
Yep. Don’t get cute.