Minkah Fitzpatrick expected to play multiple defensive roles in 2020

Former Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick expects to play multiple roles for the Steelers in 2020. This comes after a 2019 Pro Bowl season

Former Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to serve multiple roles for the Steelers defense in 2020, which is reminiscent of his time at Alabama and with Miami.

Fitzpatrick was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. After only one season with the franchise, he requested a trade which was granted early in his sophomore season in the NFL.

In the 2019 season, where he spent 14 games with Pittsburgh, he recorded five interceptions, nine pass deflections, 57 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns. These stats earned Fitzpatrick a 2019 Pro Bowl selection.

He was thriving as a free safety with the Steelers. However, things may look very different for the former Alabama standout.

“Now, if the coaches want me to move around, I’ll move around,” Fitzpatrick tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “If they don’t, then I don’t need to. I’m trying to learn the system and get it down to a ‘T,’ just in case if they ask me to move, I can move.”

He claims to have been extremely limited in his knowledge of the Steelers’ defensive playbook and gradually got more comfortable as the season went on.

This is an interesting sentiment that conflicts with reports from the beginning of Fitzpatrick’s trade talks which stated that he was “convinced coaches didn’t have a clear plan for him. He doesn’t believe they put him in the best position to succeed,” according to the Miami-Herald.

It may forever be unclear if Fitzpatrick was unhappy with the Dolphins’ decision to utilize him in different positions which lead to his eventual departure from Miami. However, it’s certain that he’s ready to do just that with Pittsburgh for the 2020 season.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on all things Alabama in the NFL!

Ranking the 5 most important Saints draft needs before the first round

The New Orleans Saints did a good job addressing needs through free agency but they can still improve with smart picks in the 2020 NFL Draft

Which roster needs should be the highest priority for the New Orleans Saints in the 2020 NFL Draft? With the first round of selections inching closer by the minute, it’s time for a final review of the team’s draft needs before the clock starts ticking. Here are the five areas the Saints should hope to improve in this year’s event.

1. Linebacker

With just one healthy starter returning from last year’s squad (first-team All-Pro Demario Davis) and no projected starters under contract beyond 2020, it’s important for the Saints to find some continuity in the middle of their defense. While Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso are talented players, neither of them can be counted on to see through a 16-game season.

Three prospects to know:

Patrick Queen, LSU
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Sleeper: Logan Wilson, Wyoming

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What positions do the Packers draft early the most often?

A ranking of the positions drafted by the Packers in the first three rounds of the NFL draft since 2005.

The Green Bay Packers have made 49 picks in the first three rounds of the NFL draft since 2005, the first year under Ted Thompson. While the sample size in the draft under third-year general manager Brian Gutekunst is small, extending the look back to Thompson, a mentor and former boss of Gutekunst’s, helps add clarity to the picture.

More specifically, the exercise helps sort out which positions the Packers prioritize early in the draft, and which they don’t.

Here’s a ranking of the positions drafted in the first three rounds by the Packers since 2005:

Defensive line (8)

2009: B.J. Raji (1.9)
2007: Justin Harrell (1.16)
2013: Datone Jones (1.26)
2016: Kenny Clark (1.27)
2012: Jerel Worthy (2.51)
2010: Mike Neal (2.56)
2014: Khyri Thornton (3.85)
2017: Montravius Adams (3.93)

Wide receiver (7)

2008: Jordy Nelson (2.36)
2006: Greg Jennings (2.52)
2014: Davante Adams (2.53)
2005: Terence Murphy (2.58)
2011: Randall Cobb (2.64)
2007: James Jones (3.78)
2015: Ty Montgomery (3.94)

Cornerback (7)

2018: Jaire Alexander (1.18)
2015: Damarious Randall (1.30)
2017: Kevin King (2.33)
2018: Josh Jackson (2.45)
2008: Pat Lee (2.60)
2015: Quinten Rollins (2.62)
2012: Casey Hayward (2.62)

Safety (6)

2019: Darnell Savage (1.21)
2014: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (1.21)
2005: Nick Collins (2.51)
2017: Josh Jones (2.61)
2010: Morgan Burnett (3.71)
2007: Aaron Rouse (3.89)

Edge rusher (4)

2019: Rashan Gary (1.12)
2009: Clay Matthews (1.26)
2012: Nick Perry (1.28)
2016: Kyler Fackrell (3.88)

Offensive tackle (4)

2010: Bryan Bulaga (1.23)
2011: Derek Sherrod (1.32)
2006: Daryn Colledge (2.47)
2016: Jason Spriggs (2.48)

Tight end (3)

2019: Jace Sternberger (3.75)
2008: Jermichael Finley (3.91)
2014: Richard Rodgers (3.98)

Running back (3)

2013: Eddie Lacy (2.61)
2007: Brandon Jackson (2.63)
2010: Alex Green (3.96)

Inside linebacker (3)

2005: A.J. Hawk (1.5)
2006: Abdul Hodge (3.67)
2018: Oren Burks (3.88)

Interior offensive line (2)

2019: Elgton Jenkins (2.44)
2006: Jason Spitz (3.75)

Quarterback (2)

2005: Aaron Rodgers (1.24)
2007: Brian Brohm (2.56)

The priorities look clear, especially when the position groups are looked at more generally. The Packers have drafted 13 defensive backs, 12 defensive linemen or edge rushers and 10 pass catchers in the first three rounds since 2005. Clearly, the Packers prefer to draft players who can cover, play along the defensive front or catch the football in the passing game during the early rounds.

What positions don’t the Packers prioritize early? Well, quarterback, but that scarcity is mostly due to having two Hall of Famers at the position over the last 25 years. The other positions of note: inside linebacker, running back and interior offensive line (although it’s worth considering that Gutekunst has drafted an inside linebacker and an interior offensive lineman in the first three rounds in just two years in charge).

Also notable: The Packers haven’t drafted a tight end in the first two rounds under Thompson or Gutekunst. Sternberger, at No. 75 overall in the third round, is the highest pick at the position since 2000, when the Packers took Bubba Franks in the first round.

Up front on offense, the Packers have done a terrific job drafting offensive linemen in the middle rounds, especially on the interior but also at tackle, reducing the need for high picks along the line. The team has spent just six picks in the first three rounds on offensive linemen since 2005.

Only four early picks have been used at edge rusher, but the Packers hit a homerun with Matthews and have had success (to varying degrees) in free agency and transitioning linemen to the edge.

Overall, 15 years of draft history indicates the Packers care the least about inside linebacker, running back, tight end and the interior of the offensive line during the first three rounds, but care greatly about defensive backs, line of scrimmage players on defense and wide receivers.

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5 positions the Packers are almost guaranteed to take in 2020 draft

Needs and draft trends point to these five positions as the most likely to be selected by the Packers in the 2020 draft.

Roster needs and draft trends often coalesce to form predictive tools during the NFL draft. Individual teams have specific short or long term needs and positions they tend to value over others come draft time, creating a roadmap for which positions each team will likely target in a draft.

Here are five positions the Green Bay Packers are almost guaranteed to use at least one draft pick on next week:

Wide receiver

This one is a lock. In fact, the Packers will likely use a first-round or Day 2 pick on the position, especially considering the abundance of talent at the top of the class and the offense’s need for a complementary weapon behind Davante Adams. The Packers haven’t taken a receiver in the first two rounds since drafting Adams in the second round in 2014, and it’s been almost two decades since the team took one in the first round (Javon Walker, 2003). The Packers, who have hit on so many high picks at receiver over the last decade and a half, are now well overdue for restocking the passing game with another high pick at the position.

Offensive tackle

The Packers swapped out Bryan Bulaga for Rick Wagner (a net negative), lost Jason Spriggs to the Chicago Bears and haven’t re-signed Jared Veldheer. Starting right guard Billy Turner has some experience at offensive tackle, but as of now the best option at swing tackle is Alex Light, and there’s no long-term answer at right tackle to be found. The Packers haven’t used a draft pick on a true offensive tackle prospect since 2016 (Spriggs), likely the result of having two terrific and reliable bookends in Bulaga and David Bakhtiari. Missing on Spriggs stole away the succession plan. Luckily, this class looks strong at offensive tackle. Expect the Packers to grab one, likely within the first four rounds. Keeping Aaron Rodgers protected during his final years in Green Bay has to be a top priority.

Inside linebacker

The Packers will enter the 2020 draft with a solid argument for possessing the worst group of inside linebackers in the NFL. Christian Kirksey could be a slight upgrade on Blake Martinez, but there’s next to nothing in terms of proven players after him on the depth chart. Oren Burks, a third-round pick in 2018, has labored through two injury-plagued seasons and hasn’t even flashed starting-level ability, while Ty Summers and Curtis Bolton have no regular-season NFL experience at inside linebacker. That’s all this team has at off-ball linebacker. The Packers clearly don’t value this position, but Brian Gutekunst probably can’t leave the draft without one linebacker worth developing. Bucking trends and targeting a potential difference-maker early is possible.

Cornerback

The Packers have poured resources into the cornerback position recently (four picks in the last three drafts, including three top-50 picks), but it remains a sneaky need entering this draft, especially with Tramon Williams unsigned. Josh Jackson is beelining toward bust status, and if the season started today, Chandon Sullivan – who had a nice 2019 season – would be a starter in the slot. Looking down the road, Kevin King is a free agent following the 2020 season. Unless Gutekunst is confident in retaining King long term, the Packers probably need to take a corner they believe can start in the next two years.

Defensive line

The Packers have drafted at least one defensive lineman every year since 1985. It’s hard to see that streak ending this year. The Packers lack depth up front on defense and need help for Pro Bowler Kenny Clark. Ted Thompson, Gutekunst’s old boss, was fond of picking two or more defensive linemen in a draft class, often supplementing a high pick with a late-round selection. Having so many late picks (seven on Day 3) all but guarantees that Gutekunst will grab one at some point in this draft.

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Where do the Saints want to improve ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft?

Saints coach Sean Payton discussed his team’s roster needs after a busy free agency, and with just weeks remaining before the 2020 NFL Draft

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What will the New Orleans Saints do in the 2020 NFL Draft? Few teams have been less predictable in recent years, thanks to the team’s strategy to plug roster holes through free agency, allowing them to maximize the talent available in each rookie class. That’s not something Saints coach Sean Payton expects to change soon, owing to a solid haul of veteran free agents and a number of important re-signings up and down the depth chart.

“Well, look, we’re going to be smart with the draft relative to the grades and paying attention to our board,” Payton said, emphasizing the team’s plan to draft the best players available, rather than force a pick at a position of need.

The Saints no longer have a huge vacancy at wide receiver, having paired Emmanuel Sanders up with Michael Thomas. They’ve arguably upgraded the secondary by bringing back Malcolm Jenkins, extending their contract with Janoris Jenkins, and retaining critical depth with P.J. Williams. Up front, surprising re-signings of David Onyemata and Andrus Peat have kept one of the NFL’s better defensive and offensive lines intact.

That’s not to say the roster doesn’t have weaknesses. There are several areas they can still improve. Payton identified a few positions the team could address in the draft, while saying he anticipates other spots might be best approached through free agency.

Payton continued, “There’s still a handful of things we’re looking at relative to either the kicking game (or) interior offensive lineman is something we’ll pay close attention to. We think this draft has got some really good options there. I think obviously there’s a lot of receivers in this draft.”

It’s noteworthy that Payton cites the interior offensive line as an area the Saints are monitoring; they just signed left guard Andrus Peat to a long-term contract extension carrying $33 million in guarantees, and drafted Erik McCoy to start at center last offseason. Right guard Larry Warford is in a contract year (while counting more than $12 million against the salary cap, second-most on the team), and the Saints reportedly haven’t positively reviewed his 2019 performance. The Saints frequently invest resources in their interior trio, so they might be looking to acquire Warford’s replacement soon.

By referencing the kicking game, Payton likely means the coverage units on special teams — specialists Thomas Morstead, Wil Lutz, and Zach Wood are each under contract for years to come and played well in 2019, as did breakout rookie returner Deonte Harris. But the group of players whose responsibilities will include covering punts and kickoffs is still in flux after Darren Rizzi’s first year in New Orleans as special teams coordinator.

Two of last year’s top six contributors on special teams have not re-signed with the Saints just yet: Dwayne Washington (295 snaps, third-most on the team) and Stephone Anthony (239 snaps) are both unrestricted free agents. Anthony was picked up mid-season after playing under Rizzi with the Miami Dolphins in 2018. All four of the other players who saw the most special teams snaps (Justin Hardee, Craig Robertson, Taysom Hill, and J.T. Gray) are entering the final years of their contracts, so the Saints could be on the lookout for some long-term stability should any of them leave after the 2020 season.

As for any moves the Saints could make in free agency, before the draft (which begins April 23)? Payton said, “I think from a secondary standpoint we’ll pay close attention to the corner market and then I would say also in linebacker.”

That comment was made shortly before P.J. Williams agreed to re-sign with New Orleans on a one-year deal worth $2 million guaranteed, so any further veteran additions might be unlikely. It’s interesting that linebacker is his coda on the topic, because it’s commonly perceived as the most-important need the Saints have going into the draft. Two of their three projected starters (Alex Anzalone and Kiko Alonso) are returning from season-ending injuries, as is a top backup (Kaden Elliss).

Payton’s suggestion that the Saints are still evaluating free agent linebackers lines up with their previously-reported interest in players like Jamie Collins and Cory Littleton (per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football). The linebacker marketed has cooled significantly since the opening weeks of free agency, but there are still names out there such as Alec Ogletree, Nigel Bradham, and Clay Matthews. Former Saints backups like Anthony, Manti Te’o, and Will Compton are also available.

So while the Saints could still get involved with the free agent market, any more moves should be expected to affect the middle class of the depth chart rather than the top of the roster. Payton and his staff are busy teleconferencing with Jeff Ireland’s scouting department every day, focusing their energy on crafting a successful draft strategy.

Based on these comments, we should probably anticipate an early move to bolster the offensive line, which has been common under Payton’s leadership (just look at last year’s trade for McCoy, or the 2017 addition of All-Pro right tackle Ryan Ramczyk). The glut of receiving talent available could also end up adding another weapon to the Saints offense, if the pick’s value relative to other available prospects is to their liking. And an athletic linebacker or defensive back who could bring an enthusiastic presence to special teams would also make sense.

But it’s still early, and there’s plenty of time for the Saints to make a bold move or two in search of an edge. So keep an eye out for updates.

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Ranking the Saints defensive position groups going into 2020 offseason

Which position group reigns supreme for the New Orleans Saints defense, and where must they add upgrades? Cornerback, linebacker stand out.

The New Orleans Saints have a number of questions to ask themselves this offseason, many of them surrounding starters headed for free agency either this March or next year. Most of those starters play defense, including names like cornerback Eli Apple, safety Vonn Bell, defensive tackle David Onyemata, and linebacker A.J. Klein.

While the defense came up short in the playoffs, it’s arguably been a more consistent unit than the lauded Saints offense the last few years, especially in the postseason. But should the Saints look to maintain consistency on that side of the ball or instead pursue upgrades?

To help find out, we’ve ranked each defensive position group, taking stock of where they stand going into the offseason:

Cornerbacks

Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints have just three corners under contract right now: Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson. Lattimore is one of the best (if somewhat high-variance) young cover corners in the league, and the decision to pick up his fifth-year option for 2021 is a no-brainer. But it’s less clear whether the Saints should keep veterans like Jenkins and Robinson around on their bloated salaries. And the lack of depth behind them doesn’t add any clarity. This is a position the Saints must invest in, whether it means retaining mainstays like Apple and P.J. Williams or bringing in new faces.

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