ESPN poll: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick ranks first among NFL safeties

A recent ESPN poll has ranked Pittsburgh Steelers’ Minkah Fitzpatrick as the No. 1 NFL safety.

Fitzpatrick has garnered praise following his outstanding First-team All-Pro performance in 2022. Since entering the league, the 26-year-old safety has shown remarkable skills. He recorded the most defensive touchdowns tying at five.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back gained widespread recognition for his exceptional ball-hawking skills. Last season, Fitzpatrick showcased his abilities with 11 pass breakups. He also led the NFL in interceptions with six, contributing to the Steelers’ league-high 20 team interceptions.

A respected NFL personnel director described Fitzpatrick’s exceptional talent as “the best in the game.” The director highlighted a noticeable gap between him and other players in the game.

“You have to keep him moving because if he’s stationary, coordinators can plan for him, but every single play, there’s that feeling of, where is he going to be?” the director said.

“Post, slot, nickel, box. He’s capable, willing and able to handle all of that. He’s brilliant, works, studies, loves the game.”

Derwin James claims No. 2 spot

Right after Fitzpatrick’s position on the top of the list is Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James. James has earned more respect despite missing some games after his productive season.

In 2022, James displayed an impressive all-around performance with four sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and 115 tackles. This record earned him second-team All-Pro honors.

Despite sitting out on three games, James came close to surpassing his career-high of 118 tackles in 2021. He also consistently recorded multiple interceptions and sacks in seasons where he played at least 14 games.

Analyst Jeremy Fowler highlighted that James’ versatility has improved his standing among safeties after overcoming injury-plagued seasons in 2019 and 2020.

“Now that James has put together two full seasons after injury-plagued 2019 and 2020 campaigns, his place in the safety pantheon has only improved,” Fowler said.

In addition, an anonymous high-ranking NFL personnel evaluator asserted that if not for the injuries, James could become “the next Sean Taylor.”

“The cool thing is he’s played through the injuries and held up really well and is a super respected Pro Bowl player,” the personnel said.

“I’m not sure he’ll reach that level of J.J. [Watt] and A.D. [Aaron Donald] and those types of defensive players, but he works hard enough that maybe he can.”

“DBU” rank dominance

While Fitzpatrick currently holds the top spot among safeties, Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II has claimed the No. 1 position among cornerbacks. Both Fitzpatrick and Surtain hailed from the University of Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban.

They further solidify Alabama’s reputation as a powerhouse in producing talented NFL defensive backs with the top rankings. The university has earned the “Defensive Back University” (DBU) moniker due to its consistent track record of developing exceptional defensive back players.

More Alabama alums are also on the list. Baltimore Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey, a three-time Pro Bowler, secured the No. 6 spot. Dallas Cowboys’ Trevon Diggs also made the list, ranking at No. 8. While Diggs had previously reached as high as No. 3, he dropped to No. 10 before the start of last season.

Older players like Kareem Jackson, Dre Kirkpatrick and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix became the earlier proof of Alabama’s expertise in defense training. Nowadays, standout talents like Fitzpatrick and Surtain continue the tradition and significantly impact the league.