Pittsburgh Steelers: Three Early Predictions for Minkah Fitzpatrick

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 25: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after making the tackle in the second quarter during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 25: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after making the tackle in the second quarter during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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NFL Pro Bowl
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 29: pre-game ceremonies take place for the NFL Pro Bowl at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on January 29, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Pro Bowl Season Coming Up

On a new team with something to prove, expect Fitzpatrick to play better than ever before. The Steelers are going to use their new player in a way that best fits his skill-set, and the rewards should be immense. Fitzpatrick is the type of ball-hawking player that we consistently see in the Pro Bowl. Though there are a few talented safeties in the AFC, few, if any, can boast this combination of natural talent, versatility and scheme fit. Going back to his college days, Fitzpatrick has proven his ball skills are no joke.

Something that is often overlooked when it comes to the Steelers defense is the amount of talent the team has. Yes, they have underachieved this season, but at the end of the day, this is a squad loaded with former high draft picks. From this year’s first-rounder Devin Bush to guys like Terrell Edmunds, T.J. Watt or Joe Haden, this team has highly-touted players at every level, taking the pressure off of Fitzpatrick and allowing him to play without worrying if the guys around him will hold up.

Whenever a team trades away a first-round selection in exchange for a player, the team expects to get a Pro Bowl-type talent in return. Luckily the Steelers were able to do just that when they stole Fitzpatrick from Miami. Sure, the team had to take a big risk but in the end, this type of player is worth it. As long as he remains healthy, expect Fitzpatrick’s change-of-scenery to result in his first Pro Bowl nod.