Chicago Bears: Five cornerback targets in the 2018 NFL Draft

Minkah Fitzpatrick

Imagine a scenario in which, as several draft pundits are projecting, four quarterbacks go within the first six picks of the 2018 NFL Draft. Given the intrigue around Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen, that very well could happen.

And then assume that, as most expect, Bradley Chubb goes third overall to the Indianapolis Colts and Saquon Barkley ends up with the Cleveland Browns with the No. 4 pick or the running back-needy Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 7 overall.

What’s to say that Fitzpatrick, one of the best players in this draft, period, can’t somehow make it to the Chicago Bears in the eighth slot?

Don’t at all assume that this can’t happen.

All that would need to happen is for someone like Quenton Nelson or Connor Williams to sneak their way into the picture for Fitzpatrick to slip to the Bears.

And if that happens, it doesn’t matter who else is on the board. Ryan Pace should be sprinting to Roger Goodell with Fitzpatrick’s name on a card.

While Fitzpatrick’s best NFL position may actually be safety, there’s no reason not to look into his versatility at corner, especially to match up with bigger, stronger receivers. And if you’re into positional versatility, just think of Fitzpatrick as a new version of Tyrann Mathieu or Budda Baker.

Bottom line: whether you intend to play him as a straight-up outside corner or not, you can find someplace for him to make an impact on the field. There’s no question about that. If he’s available, passing on him would be a tough move.