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Minkah Fitzpatrick would make a ton of sense for Jets at No. 6

By Luis Tirado Jr.

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets would be wise to address their cornerback situation in the 2018 NFL Draft if they fix their quarterback situation via free agency. Here’s why Minkah Fitzpatrick makes a ton of sense with the No. 6 overall pick.

For argument’s sake, let’s pretend the New York Jets have an incredible free agency. They land quarterback Kirk Cousins, get center Ryan Jensen and spend a bit more money to also land guard Andrew Norwell. Not only would the Jets get high grades for a huge free agency splash, but their offense would finally be something worth mentioning for next season and beyond.

Fast forward to the 2018 NFL Draft and the fact that the Jets hold the No. 6 overall pick, means they can address another major area of need. Their cornerback situation is in dire need of help as last season, many teams were able to attack the positional group with ease and precision. The Jets would be wise to add a premier cornerback via this year’s draft to add a true defensive playmaker.

Enter Minkah Fitzpatrick out of Alabama. Besides being an excellent tackler, he excels as a smart defensive back that is capable of being a plug-and-play kind of player. Fitzpatrick has experience and a lot of success as a cornerback and safety, which means he’d be exactly what Todd Bowles loves to see in his defensive backs.

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In three years at Alabama, Fitzpatrick totaled 171 tackles, nine interceptions, and 24 passes batted down. Since the NFL is a passing league, it would make sense for the Jets to make their defensive secondary one to fear for opposing teams. Rebuilding it through youth is key, considering how great both Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye did last year in their respective rookie seasons.

Throwing Fitzpatrick into the mix could make the Jets secondary one of the best in the league as early as next season. Even though many Jets fans would probably want to see the team use the No. 6 overall pick on an offensive weapon, if they address their main offensive issues via free agency, drafting Fitzpatrick if he’s still available when on the clock would bring in another key piece to making their defense be a strength again. It would make a ton of sense in the grand scheme of things.

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