Steelers Minkah Fitzpatrick is on pace for Earl Thomas-like NFL career

The Steelers found a gem in safety Earl Thomas. Here’s why he could have as much success as a generational player like Earl Thomas. 

The Steelers didn’t have a shot at landing Minkah Fitzpatrick in the 2018 NFL Draft, as the blue-chip defensive back landed with the Miami Dolphins with the 11th overall pick. Pittsburgh ultimately settled for Terrell Edmunds with the 28th overall pick. However, when Fitzpatrick became available for trade just two games into his second season, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert didn’t hesitate to make the call.

While many debated whether the young safety was worth the Steeler’s first-round pick, that’s not even a legitimate discussion at this point. Minkah Fitzpatrick is everything Pittsburgh could have hoped for and more. Since September of 2019, the budding star safety has amassed 9 interceptions, 11 pass defenses, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries – equating to 16 takeaway-worthy plays. In addition, Fitzpatrick managed to turn these opportunities into three defensive touchdowns.

In 2020, Minkah earned his second first-team All-Pro honors – becoming one of the youngest defensive players in NFL history to reach this honor for the second time after just turning 24. Though he is only 3 years into his NFL career, Fitzpatrick has the makings of a generational talent. In fact, he is statistically on pace with Seattle Seahawks legend, Earl Thomas. Here’s a look at their production through their first three seasons, according to Pro Football Reference:

Why Steelers star safety can surpass Earl Thomas

When thinking about some of the best safeties in the history of the NFL, some of the names that immediately come to mind are Ed Reed, Ronnie Lott, and our very own, Troy Polamalu. Earl Thomas may not be quite on par with this group, but he’s easily one of the best safeties of the past twenty years, and he will likely see his name in Canton one day.

To think that a 24-year-old player entering just his 4th NFL season could be outpacing Thomas is pretty spectacular. However, that’s exactly what Minkah Fitzpatrick is doing. Though he’s slightly behind Thomas’s three-year pace for tackles and tackles for a loss, Fitzpatrick owns the lead when it comes to interceptions, pass defenses, fumble recoveries, and first-team All-Pro appearances.

What’s most remarkable are the All-Pro honors. As good as Earl Thomas was during his time, he earned just 3 first-team All-Pro honors in his career that spanned a decade from 2010 to 2019. Fitzpatrick, on the other hand, is just one All-Pro appearance behind Thomas despite playing just three NFL seasons.

This is an honor that is extremely hard to come by, as only 2 safeties out of NFL 64 starters are awarded first-team All-Pro honors each season. Still, based on Fitzpatrick’s previous two seasons and the fact that he is only 24 years old tells you that he’s destined for at least one more of these in the future.

One of the best ways to predict future Hall of Famers is by looking at their first-team All-Pro honors. Apart from interior offensive linemen, most players who earn 4 first-team All-Pros end up being Hall of Fame players when it’s all said and done. Considering that Minkah Fitzpatrick is already outpacing the great Earl Thomas, he will have a very good shot to see his name in Canton someday.