The San Francisco 49ers will host the player who Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both mocked to the team with the ninth-overall pick. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama is scheduled to visit with the team in Santa Clara this week, according to the Sacramento Bee.
#49ers to get a visit this week from someone who's a definite possibility at pick No. 9, Minkah Fitzpatrick. ... https://t.co/qjg1zWZcrc
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) April 4, 2018
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).
Fitzpatrick, who can play cornerback or safety, is the type of versatile player the 49ers like to have on the roster. General manager John Lynch discussed him during the combine and how having players who can do multiple things on defense is an asset.
"The game is much more spread out," Lynch said. "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."
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.
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Fitzpatrick to Budda Baker, had the following to say in his scouting report:
"Fitzpatrick turns up the intensity level as high as it will go and rips off the knob until the game is over. Fitzpatrick has experience as a slot cornerback, but will likely be targeted as a "do-everything" safety who can be deployed as a sub-package linebacker, a blitzer or in the slot against big receivers and move tight ends. Fitzpatrick has consistently shined since his freshman season on Alabama defenses that have been loaded with NFL talent. His versatility, football character and desire to succeed give him Pro Bowl potential and should make him an early starter."
