The 2018 NFL Draft is expected to be one of the more quarterback-heavy affairs in recent years. However, there are a number of other prospects that are being considered to be taken within the top-5.

Among them is Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. Head coach Nick Saban believes his former player is definitely worthy of going very early in the draft, per Scott Petrak of the Elyria (Oh.) Chronicle-Telegram:

“As a player, is he a top-five pick? Yeah,” he said.

He added that Fitzpatrick is the ultimate team player that would make a great addition to any locker room in the league.

“You always see an upbeat, positive, pleasant guy to be around,” Saban said. “When you’re in a room with him, you feel upbeat, positive, pleasant. He has a wonderful personality. . . . You will not find a better person. The guy’s got tremendous character. He was never in my office once for doing the wrong thing. He’s very responsible. He’s a good citizen, a good leader.”

Fitzpatrick's skill set is reminiscent of his personality. His ability to play any position in the secondary helped him earn every defensive award imaginable last season. As good as he is on defense, he may be even better with the ball in his hands after taking a school-record five interceptions back for a touchdown.

That said, Fitzpatrick is part of the group that includes Penn State running back Saquon Barkley and NC State defensive end Bradley Chubb that has made a strong case for themselves as a legitimate top-5 pick. However, it remains to be seen whether or not teams will resist the urge not to pick the bevy of quarterbacks in this draft.