Minkah Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick was dominant for the Steelers in 2021 and 2022, totaling 220 tackles (140 solo), eight interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a touchdown and 18 pass defenses over those two seasons. However, he was limited to just 10 games in 2023 due to knee and hand injuries and tallied just 64 tackles (43 solo) and three pass defenses. The Steelers brought in DeShon Elliott during the offseason, but his presence shouldn't hinder Fitzpatrick's role as long as he can stay healthy in 2024, as he signed a four-year, $73.6 million contract with Pittsburgh ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Fitzpatrick has proven to be a steal for the Steelers, averaging 100 tackles and four interceptions in his three full seasons with Pittsburgh after being acquired from Miami in 2019 for a draft pick that turned into Austin Jackson. His range and ballhawking has translated into five career touchdowns, including a 31-yard INT return in a Week 1 win against the Bengals. That big-play potential is the secret weapon in Fitzpatrick's fantasy arsenal, and the team's coaching continuity on defense should ensure his role remains unchanged as he heads into the first season of the four-year extension he signed last summer.

As a cornerback-safety tweener, Fitzpatrick was at one point more valuable in real life than he was as an IDP, but the Steelers intensified his focus on the safety position and with that his IDP utility skyrocketed to a new level. Fitzpatrick’s 124 tackles on 1,039 snaps last year beat his previous career high tackle count by 44, which understandably raises the fear of regression, but the role change explains the stat change.

Fitzpatrick made a significant impact during his first full season with the Steelers in 2020 with a team-leading 79 tackles (60 solo), as he was on the field for 99 percent of the team's defensive snaps. The 24-year-old is slated to spend at least two more years in Pittsburgh after the team exercised his fifth-year option during the offseason. In addition to his stellar tackling numbers, Fitzpatrick also racked up four interceptions, a forced fumble and 11 pass defenses last year, so he's a solid IDP option heading into 2021.

One of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing 2019 season for the Steelers was the trade for Fitzpatrick, who played like a human highlight reel after two games with the Dolphins. Whether he is playing cornerback or safety, Fitzpatrick has a nose for the ball, logging two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, five interceptions and two touchdowns last season. Although he may not match his Pro Bowl performance, Fitzpatrick is a solid IDP option who is under contract until 2023.

Keep an eye on the status of Reshad Jones and perhaps downgrade Fitzpatrick to more of the DB30 range if Jones is still on the roster, but either way Fitzpatrick should provide DB2 utility following a strong rookie season as a CB/S crossover. If Jones is off the team, affording Fitzpatrick more safety looks, then the second-year pro could push for the top 10 among DBs. Fitzpatrick's production should improve by surpassing 1,000 snaps after playing 946 as a rookie, and his shutdown coverage portends playmaking upside, especially if the Miami offense improves.

Picked 11th overall by Miami in the 2018 NFL Draft, Fitzpatrick was considered one of the most pro-ready defensive backs in the entire draft, and should immediately slot in to the starting rotation. Considering Fitzpatrick's versatility, the 21-year-old should play a rotational role in the Dolphins' defense this season.