Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS
2022 rank: unranked
2023 prediction: 31st
I understand that Minkah Fitzpatrick didn't have his best season in 2021. He only recorded 2 interceptions, and he didn't have the overall splash that he typically does. For this reason, NFL players thought it was enough to bump him off the Top 100 list entirely. I'm not so sure that was justified.
This summer, it will be a completely different story. Not only did Fitzpatrick bounce back with an incredible season in 2022, but he was the consensus best safety in the league last year. Recently, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler comprised his 2023 safety rankings based on what players, coaches, and executives had to say, and Minkah was the top name on the list.
In 2022, Minkah wowed with his play-making ability as he tied for the league lead in interceptions (6) despite playing in just 15 games and missing time with an emergency appendectomy. With a healthy T.J. Watt returning and Fitzpatrick entering the prime of his NFL career, there's no reason to expect this to end anytime soon.
Minkah is already on his way to being the best safety in his era with three First-Team All Pros in five years. I have him going from unranked to 31st overall on the NFL's top 100 list for 2023.