Initially, I wanted Vita Vea to be drafted due to the loss of Suh andJordan Phillips being in a contract year. There’s a scarcity of giant and mobile Defensive Tackles on the planet if you haven’t heard… so, Vea my pick.
Mayfield and Fitzpatrick weren’t even on the radar because Phinsnews thought both players would be long gone before Miami picked.
Thankfully, it turned from prediction to reality when the Browns went with Ward… and Fitzpatrick began his slide to the Phins.
Success in the NFL is as much, if not more, based on the mental aspects as long as they possess even adequate physical talent. FYI: Fitzpatrick has an above average physical skillset.
The tape keeps proving Fitzpatrick is the rarest of players. His tape is accelerating, week-to-week, in a very positive direction… the type of acceleration that I haven’t seen in a long, long time.
This much growth, this rapid, is rare.
Let’s take a look at the Ravens Game for proof:
With Minkah, the distance between diagnosis and action is that of a seasoned vet. You rarely see this level of discipline in reading keys from even the veterans. He sees his keys and reacts in a fraction of an instant. His angles are crips, and he eyes both the player and QB in his one drops.
Compare the above with Week 1 below: Fitzpatrick’s reads and react in run defense was a bit tentative.
In Week 2, against the Panthers, Minkah saw limited action.
Due to a lack of All 22 film (only available in Regular Season–damn it all), the camera was on the action… and away from Fitzpatrick.
But there was one play, against the Panthers, that received little fanfare, but it’s my second favorite Fitzpatrick play, so far.
Minkah Attacks, Stacks, and sheds the Panther’s 6’4” 320, LG Brandon Mahon!
Let me rephrase that… Mahon is 115 lbs heavier than Fitzpatrick!
When I saw this in my film study, I laughed and screamed, “That’s my boy!”
My seven-year-old son, Caleb, came running to see what his maniac dad was raving about. He watched the play with me, again, in super slow-mo, his reaction was, “Wow!”
My sentiments, exactly.
Miami has 250 lbs Linebackers who won’t commit like this
The above play should have been ended in negative yards or a short gain. Minkah folds the play side front. His defeat of the block forces the RB to redirect. Unfortunately, the back door is wide open because the entire left side of the Phins D-line (along with the two LB’s) are washed down the line of scrimmage. Instead of a win for the defense, the RB picks up a chunk gain on the defense.
Not a drop of this failure is on Fitzpatrick.
Bad angles, overrunning plays is a big, BIG tendency of the Dolphins defense so far this Preseason. Again, as seen below, this weakness can’t be attributed to Fitzpatrick who makes the tackle.
While not attacked deep in Game 2, Fitzpatrick fared equally as well in Man and Zone Coverage. The play below, in Week 3, is a 3rd Down Play covered perfectly by Fitzpatrick.
Notice at the end of the play, he takes a quick peek back at the exact moment the ball should arrive.
Fitzpatrick’s patience is built on superb technique.
The play below is by far the signature play of the season for Fitzpatrick, despite the sack being the focus. This is my #1 favorite play of Minkah’s.From start to finish, this play exemplifies why Fitzpatrick will be a star.
Cliff notes:
Notice as the QB’s eyes reach the 3rd progression of ‘Fitz’s’ man’, long before McMillan arrives, Minkah drives on the ball forcing the pump fake… and the coverage sack.
This is as good as a Dolphins rookie has displayed in skill since Jake Long, the #1 overall pick.
Fitzpatrick read the eyes of an experienced NFL QB and forces his hand.
If you watch the film, Gase has a wry smile… it was apropos.
Many fans might have wished for this player or that player from this year’s draft. Only Baker Mayfield may end up being better in this 2018 Draft. Phins Fans should be giddy… and if not, you will be, when you catch up. Go Phins!!!
Check out what Ray Lewis said about Minkah (5:35) prior to the draft
