5 best building blocks on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021
By Tommy Jaggi
2. FS Minkah Fitzpatrick
You would be hardpressed to find a non-quarterback in the NFL who presents as much value as he does at age 24. Because of his reputation as a two-time First-Team All-Pro player and Defensive Player of the Year candidate, it seems like Minkah Fitzpatrick should be much older than he is. Yet at the age of 23 for most of the 2020 season, Fitzpatrick proved yet again to be one of the most valuable defenders in all of football.
In 2019 with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick allowed a passer rating of just 46.3 in 14 games, according to Pro Football Reference. This a number that put other top safeties around the league to shame. In addition to boasting the most takeaway-worthy plays in the NFL over the past two seasons, Fitzpatrick has only surrendered 3 touchdowns in coverage over the past 30 games.
This is a remarkable feat for such a young player at a position that is responsible for being the last line of defense. Now entering his fourth NFL season, Fitzpatrick will have a chance to solidify himself as the best safety in the league – something many fans already believe he is.
Moving forward, there isn’t another young safety in the NFL I would rather build a team around. Minkah can cover and make plays with the best of them, and the fact that he is only 24 years old shows why he is so high on this list.