Former Alabama star Minkah Fitzpatrick was known for his versatility in the secondary during an impressive career in the SEC.

But entering his second season with the Miami Dolphins, the first-round pick is coming to grips with playing out of position for a struggling franchise and growing pains are beginning to show.

Fitzpatrick's mother on Wednesday responded to a tweet from NFL writer Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel after he mentioned the challenges the safety is facing during the preseason. Fitzpatrick hasn't been himself at the back end of Miami's defense and gave up two touchdowns during this week's joint scrimmage vs. Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No you would never want to do that maybe it’s because he is not a ss and is being used to suit other people skill set not his own . But you know let’s just keep ripping him because we know it breaks your heart to do that — minknmelissa (@minknmelissa) August 14, 2019

"No you would never want to do that maybe it’s because he is not a ss and is being used to suit other people skill set not his own," Fitzpatrick's mother wrote in response to Kelly's tweet. "But you know let’s just keep ripping him because we know it breaks your heart to do that

After practice Wednesday, Fitzpatrick was asked about his mother's comments on social media.

“She’s not wrong,” Fitzpatrick said, per a team transcript. “Coach has asked me do something right now. I got to do what they ask me to do. If we have to have some discussions in the future, we’ll have those discussions. You just got to do it, man. If you resist it, you’re not going to play well. If you think about playing somewhere else, you’re not going to make the most of your position.

"I’m not 215 pounds, 220 pounds. So playing in the box isn’t best suited for me, but that’s what coach is asking me to do. I’m going to go out there and practice my hardest.”

Injuries have forced the Dolphins to play Fitzpatrick at strong safety this month and Miami coach Brian Flores is satisfied with his progression at the position despite the struggling narrative.

"He's done a really good job," Flores said of Fitzpatrick this week. "Obviously, it's never perfect for anybody, but he's a guy who we've used in multiple roles. He's taken to that and really learned them all at a pretty good level.

"I think it's a great opportunity for him and really any young guy. When people go down, it's a great opportunity. It really is, and Minkah's taking advantage of that. Again, we're moving him around. He's playing some strong safety, he's playing some linebacker, he's playing some corner. He's all over the place. That's a good thing. That's a really good thing."