2018 Raiders NFL Draft: 5 Potential first round picks

2 of 6

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown as Brandon Powell #4 of the Florida Gators defends 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) /

This is probably the most unlikely of the five I have on this list, but man I’d love if Fitzpatrick fell to the Raiders. I think he is the best defensive player in the entire draft and he could make an impact on the defense from day one.

Nick Saban has built a machine down in Tuscaloosa with NFL prospects up and down the roster. Yet Minkah was able to come in and start making an impact as a true freshman. He was a consensus All-American in 2016 & 2017, while also winning the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Awards this season. Which means he was the best player on the best team in college football for the past two season.

When it comes to versatility, he is perhaps the best definition of it. Fitzpatrick can play corner, both outside, and slot. He has the speed (4.46) to be a rangy centerfield safety and the size and tackling ability to play downhill. I could also see Raiders’ defensive coordinator Paul Guenther using him on blitzes as well.

I know Derwin James of Florida State is now the big talk of the safety position after his combine, but the tape doesn’t lie with Fitzpatrick.

Like a said, this is probably going to be a long shot because I don’t see him getting past the Tampa Bay Bucs at No. 7, but a man has got to dream big every now and then.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft