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NFL Mock Draft 2018: Full first round – Who’s the Detroit Lions top pick?

By Michael Kirkland

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25: Ezekiel Ansah of the BYU Cougars stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (R) as they hold up a jersey on stage after Ansah was picked #5 overall by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Fitzpatrick gets the INT
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 03: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide returns an interception for a touchdown against the Florida Gators in the first quarter during the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on December 3, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

7. player. 48. . TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (5-11). . Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB - Ala

Chalk this up to great luck for Tampa Bay. Fitzpatrick probably should go sooner, but good quarterback prospects have a way of getting all of the attention.

The Buc’s don’t really have a great pass rusher available at #7, so they go with their next defensive need. They need a cornerback, Fitzpatrick is a very good one.

The Buccaneers have needs across the board. They need help along their offensive line to block for quarterback, Jameis Winston, both at tackle and guard. Tampa Bay also has needs in their secondary and defensive line, especially at end. In other words, they need to take the best guy that they can find. Fitzpatrick is both a leader and a great athlete who can do a lot on the field.

Fitzpatrick starred for the Crimson Tide and played as many as five positions for them, in what Alabama calls their “Star” position; it’s a hybrid corner-safety-linebacker.

Although scouts debate what his best position might be, he is athletic enough to play both corner and safety at the next level. Versatility, and being able to stay on the field in any formation, is the kind of utility that the NFL demands. Fitzpatrick delivers.

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