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Dolphins owner reportedly wanted to pass on drafting Minkah Fitzpatrick and trade back
By SDS Staff
Published:
The Miami Dolphins drafted former Alabama DB Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11 overall in this year’s NFL Draft, but that almost didn’t happen.
Ironically, while many questioned whether Fitzpatrick would still be available outside the top 10 — he’s a sure-fire top 10 talent, Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross wanted to pass on drafting Fitzpatrick and trade down the pick, according to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
A well-placed league source tells us that the Dolphins had the pick of Alabama safety Minkah Fitzpatrick all ready to go at No. 11 when owner Stephen Ross stepped in and implored his team to trade back, both to acquire more picks and to save money on the first-rounder. Ross’s football people talked him out of it, and the Dolphins went ahead with the Fitzpatrick pick.
Fitzpatrick could eventually turn out to be the draft’s best overall player, and one could make a strong argument he was a top five overall player. Still, the Dolphins were able to draft him at No. 11, which some would consider a steal. But not Ross, apparently.
Whoever Ross’ “football people” are, he’ll likely thank them in three to five years when Fitzpatrick turns into the league’s best defensive back.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
