The Phinsider
The Dolphins did well to reacquire Fitzpatrick while dealing Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey.
The Miami Dolphins finally have a player who was named among the top-ten at his position in ESPN’s offseason series ranking each position group across the National Football League as voted on by league insiders — even if that player hasn’t suited up for the club since the 2019 NFL season.
Minkah Fitzpatrick comes in at #9 in ESPN’s ranking of the top safeties in the NFL. Interestingly enough, he ranks just ahead of former Dolphins safeties Jevon Holland (now with the New York Giants) and Brandon Jones (now with the Denver Broncos).
Here is what an anonymous coordinator had to say about the 28-year-old Dolphins player:
“He still has a lot to offer — incredibly hard worker, tone-setter, super solid running things on the back end and preventing big plays, things that go unnoticed. I’m expecting a bounce-back year from him.”
After clashing with then head coach Brian Flores during his rookie season with the Dolphins, Fitzpatrick was shipped to Pittsburgh in exchange for a first round pick. During his 6 seasons with the Steelers, the stud safety made the Pro Bowl four times while being named a first team All-Pro three times. His ball production has slowed over the past two seasons — intercepting only one pass during that time — but many have argued that Fitzpatrick wasn’t being utilized properly under Steelers’ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
He’ll have the opportunity to show Dolphins fans and the rest of the football watching world that he is still worthy of his #9 ranking in ESPN’s recent list as he reclaims the top spot in Miami’s defensive backfield for the 2025 season.
___
Do you agree with ESPN’s ranking of Minkah Fitzpatrick as the #9 safety in the NFL? Do you think he should be ranked higher or lower? How do you think he’ll perform when once again dressed in the aqua and orange of Miami this season? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter/X at @MBrave13! Fins up!
