Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Pro Comparison: Mix of Malcolm Jenkins and Harrison Smith

As a player, Fitzpatrick profiles very similarly to Malcolm Jenkins. They both bring the combination of size and footwork that can go one-on-one with some of the best tight ends, running backs, and slot receivers in the NFL. He also is excellent against the run and can play deep in cover-one.

In usage, the best situation would be to find a defensive mind like Mike Zimmer and use him like Harrison Smith.

"Smith plays about a third of his snaps (35%) as an off-ball linebacker. He plays about a quarter of his snaps (24%) as a slot cornerback. 18% of his snaps come as a free safety, and 16% of his snaps come as an edge rusher, typically lined up in a 7-technique or wide-9 (like a 3-4 OLB). His remaining snaps come as an outside cornerback and as a strong safety."

This is how you would envision Fitzpatrick translating in the NFL. The majority of his snaps will come in that role as a linebacker of sorts who can defend multiple areas in the short passing and running game. That will ultimately involve in motioning out to the slot, making that a situation that occurs about 60% of the time. However, playing deep, playing the edge and playing on the outside are in play.