NFL Network analyst Adam Rank joined his colleagues to discuss which secondary reigns supreme in the league for the 2020 season. While there were a few teams mentioned, Rank names the Pittsburgh Steelers as his pick, and believes former Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick is a main reason way.
Minkah, who was drafted in the 2018 NFL draft early in the first round by the Miami Dolphins, found his groove in year No. 2 in the league, after requesting a trade out of Miami.
His move to Pittsburgh brought him stability at a position in an easy-to-learn system, the Steelers decided to use him exclusively at safety, whereas the Dolphins had him bounce around the secondary.
Rank, who claimed he believes Pittsburgh has the best defensive secondary in the NFL had this to say:
“The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best secondary in football,” says Rank. “I say this even with Terrell Edmunds still entrenched at strong safety. He’s the Paul Roma of the Steelers’ Four Horsemen in the defensive backfield, which is led by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. I know a lot of people were stunned when the Steelers offered a first-round pick for Fitzpatrick, but he’s proven to be a worthy investment. If he isn’t the best safety in the game, he’s clearly in the conversation.”
The “worthy investment” was receiving Fitzpatrick and a 2020 fourth-round pick in exchange for 2020 first and fifth round picks, as well as a 2021 sixth-round selection.
Rank also mentions that Fitzpatrick must be in the conversation for the best safety in the NFL, and one must wonder if the same would be said about the former Alabama star if he stayed put in Miami.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Minkah Fitzpatrick as he continues to traverse his way to NFL stardom.