Former Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was Mel Kiper's selection for the San Francisco 49ers in his latest solo mock draft (version 3.0). On Wednesday morning, Kiper was joined by fellow analyst Todd McShay for a dueling two-round mock draft for ESPN.
Round One
Kiper's selection was no different with McShay going in the same direction. The duo each selected Fitzpatrick to go to the 49ers with the ninth-overall pick.
"Fitzpatrick could start at corner -- opposite Richard Sherman -- or safety for the 49ers, who have a young, talented front seven but need to fill out the secondary," explained Kiper.
"San Francisco would love if Nelson fell here, but CB is still a need," wrote McShay. "GM John Lynch will go for the best player available, and Fitzpatrick is the best player on the board."
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-1 and 201-pound Fitzpatrick had a 40-time of 4.46 seconds, a vertical jump of 33 inches, a broad jump of 121 inches, and had 14 reps in the bench press.
Fitzpatrick registered 171 combined tackles with 16.5 for a loss, five sacks, nine interceptions, 24 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles in three seasons with Alabama, according to Sports Reference. He also returned four of those nine interceptions for touchdowns.
In 2017, Fitzpatrick recorded 60 combined tackles with eight for a loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, seven passes defensed, and a forced fumble. In 2016, he led the team with six interceptions, 186 interception return yards, and two touchdowns while setting a school record with four (his other two pick-sixes came in 2015).
With the ability to play safety or cornerback, Fitzpatrick is the type of versatile player the 49ers often covet, especially in a pass-happy league.
"The game is much more spread out," 49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters at the combine. "They throw the football much more. It's played much more in space. And so, you better have players who can operate in space and who can do a number of different things. Minkah Fitzpatrick is a guy that is highly thought of, and we feel the same about him, but that versatility that he brings is something special."
Round Two
As for the second-round pick, both Kiper and McShay have the 49ers going offense with their selection.
Kiper has the 49ers selecting wide receiver Anthony Miller of Memphis.
"Miller injured his foot at the end of the season and didn't participate in testing at the combine," Kiper wrote. "On film, he's a stud, though we don't know his true speed. San Francisco could use another playmaker outside."
McShay has the 49ers selecting guard Geron Christian of Nevada.
"The 49ers have their QB," wrote McShay, "now it's time to help protect him."