Bishop Fitzgerald

● Adequate bulk on upper half and thighs (NFL scout: “USC strength staff raved about his weight-room grind.”) ● Quick to key run/pass and understands pre-/post-snap indicators ● Good-enough fluidity, quickness and drive skills ● Smooth in backpedal and open to maintain coverage umbrella ● Reads route combinations from different alignments ● Trusts eyes of the quarterback to lead him to the play ● Good hands — recorded multiple interceptions in each of three FBS seasons ● Mature, smart and accountable (NFL scout: “Won’t have any surprises with him. You know the guy you’re getting.”) ● Played on kick and punt return coverages at NC State and USC

● Narrow-waisted and lacks desired height/length ● Mediocre range and speed for NFL single-high looks ● Can be outmatched on perimeter by more athletic pass catchers ● Inconsistent eye balance in zone coverage ● Too hands-on when attempting to stay connected underneath in man-to-man ● Throws pads into the hip of ball carrier but doesn’t consistently wrap ● Angles versus the run aren’t as precise as coverage angles ● Below-average finishing strength as a tackler ● Missed final three games of final college season because of injury (Nov. 2025)

A one-year starter at USC (and a two-and-a-half-year starter overall), Fitzgerald played middle-field safety in former defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s scheme. He became a full-time defensive player in junior college before shifting to be a post/field safety at NC State and later joining the Trojans. He led NC State in interceptions and passes defended in 2024 and did the same at USC in 2025. A former high school quarterback, Fitzgerald sees things develop quickly and has the trigger to range versus the run or undercut routes. He flashes adequate burst for middle-third duties, robber looks or “catch-man” coverage when the offense goes to trips formations. He plays urgently in run support, although his lack of ideal size, finishing strength and pursuit angles are concerning. Overall, Fitzgerald doesn’t have ideal speed and needs to clean up his tackling, but he is an aggressive, instinctive player with the type of on-ball production you like to see. He projects as safety depth and can contribute on special teams.