First, a word from Jason Licht...
(regarding Minkah Fitzpatrick) We always look for versatility at every position where that’s an asset,” Licht said, according to PewterReport.com’s Scott Reynold’s. “The corners that can play both inside and outside, they come in handy, especially if they can play them both well. Those are players that every team values high. Some guys are really good outside, but can’t play inside. Some guys are really good inside, but can’t play outside. Some guys are a blend of both, and those guys have their value in this league.”
My biggest takeaway after reading that is the fact that he keeps referring to him as a CB, not a safety. I believe people that are down on Minkah mostly feel that he can't play full timr corner in the NFL. Clearly, from Jason's analysis, he believes Minkah can play CB and even become the next Jalen Ramsey; instinctive, versatile, able to play inside/outside at a high level.
If the team believes Minkah can play CB he would be the no brainer pick at 7, should 'the big 3' come off the board. Not puny Denzel Ward who will only be a Bradley Roby caliber corner, at best. And not Derwin James, simply because CB is a more important position than SS, at least for this team.
I never personally considered Minkah at 7, but I love the kids instincts, intelligence, and motor. He could be a true lockdown corner and it would probably take very little time to see it come to fruition. No matter how much he may struggle out of the gate, he's still bound to be three times as good as Ryan Smith.
As for SS Ronnie Harrison, I believe he will be one of the best available players where we pick in round 2. Same place Giants took Landon Collins in 2015. I actually think Harrison could be better than him. I also happen to believe that he will be a better pro than Derwin.
These two DBs would drastically upgrade our defense.
1 CB Minkah Fitzpatrick
2 SS Ronnie Harrison
4 RB Nyheim Hines
*everyone wants a big name this year, but Barber/Hines would be a good combination. Plus almost every year a good RB comes available after final cuts in preseason.
