NFL- The Smart Money Is On Defensive Backs
ESPN The Magazine|October 1, 2018

Slot Machine Miami placed a premium on inside coverage when it used a top pick on Minkah Fitzpatrick. If a team is smart, it will follow the Dolphins’ lead.

Peter Keating
NFL- The Smart Money Is On Defensive Backs

If you’re interested in NFL strategy, the endless tango of adjustments that offenses and defenses deploy to one-up each other, the rookie to watch this year is Miami defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Dolphins selected the former Alabama star with the 11th pick in April, and he’s their primary nickel corner back. His emergence marks a turning point for the league: Teams might finally recognize the need to spend high draft picks and build base defenses with an eye toward covering the slot.

This story is from the October 1, 2018 edition of ESPN The Magazine.

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This story is from the October 1, 2018 edition of ESPN The Magazine.

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