A converted quarterback who reads route concepts like he's still calling them from the other side of the ball, Fitzgerald is the most productive ballhawk in this safety class — 16 career interceptions across three programs don't happen by accident. He sits in zone with uncommon patience, lets plays develop in front of him, then drives on the ball with conviction that makes up for the 4.55 speed he doesn't have. The Combine confirmed what the tape hinted at: his range is scheme-dependent, and his run defense angles and physicality against blockers will test NFL coordinators. In a split-safety system that keeps him at centerfield or deep-half, he's a Day 1 coverage contributor with starting upside; in single-high or heavy Cover 1, the limited recovery speed becomes a liability that makes this a scheme-or-bust projection.
- Elite ball skills and interception production — 16 career INTs across three schools, with natural soft hands that catch the ball away from his body
- Coverage instincts rooted in his quarterback background; reads QB shoulders and recognizes route concepts pre-snap, driving on throws before the ball is out
- Fluid movement skills and transitions — changes direction without losing speed or balance, showing smooth feet that belie his Combine testing numbers
- Assignment discipline in zone coverage; sits with patience, lets routes develop in front of him, then closes with burst and conviction
- Scheme adaptability — learned D'Anton Lynn's defense in one offseason and started Day 1 at USC with no adjustment period
- Limited straight-line speed (4.55 forty, slowest safety at 2026 Combine) creates real questions about deep-third recovery and staying in-phase on vertical routes
- Run defense is inconsistent — takes poor angles in run support, gets washed by lead blockers, and can be pulled out of position by complex blocking schemes
- Gives up size to bigger tight ends and slot receivers in contested situations near the boundary, a function of his 5-11 frame
- Aggressive anticipation is a double-edged sword — misreads and false steps can surrender big plays at a concerning rate
Nearly identical stature and play style — both are aggressive, undersized safeties who generate turnovers through anticipation but surrender big plays at a similar rate. Both rely on processing speed rather than timed speed to cover ground.