In the coming weeks and months I will be breaking down potential prospects for the Dallas Cowboys to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fit with the organization. Today, I want to take a look at former Alabama Crimson Tide Cornerback Patrick Surtain II who could be in play for the Cowboys in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
NAME: Patrick Surtain II
POSITION: Cornerback
SCHOOL: Alabama
CONFERENCE: SEC
CLASS: Junior
JERSEY: No. 2
RECRUITMENT RATING: 5-star
HT: 6'1″
WT: 203
DOB: 4/14/2000
Highlights:
Pros:
Patrick Surtain II was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide and son of former Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs top corner Patrick Surtain. Not only does he have the NFL bloodlines, but he has the ideal frame (6'1″, 203) for a boundary CB in the NFL as well. He's tall, long, and rangy. He is scheme diverse, but is at his best playing in press man coverage. Smooth, athletic, and technique sound. Has good instincts with a high football IQ. Understands how to read route combinations and how to position himself to make plays. Uses is a length to his advantage to reroute WRs and to be destructive at the catch point. Excellent ball skills. Mentally tough with a nonchalant type of attitude. Nothing seems to ever faze him. Willing to mix it up in the run game. Fights to get off blocks and shows good effort as a tackler.
Cons:
There's not a lot of holes to Patrick Surtain II's game. He has a great foundation to build upon, however, there are a few areas of his game he can stand to improve. One of the biggest question marks about his game is going to be his long speed. Looks to need time to build-up speed when challenged vertically. Has given up some explosive plays to WRs who have been able to detach and get behind him. Speedier/shifty WRs may give him problems at the next level because of this. Doesn't always play as physical as his size would suggest. Would love to see him be a little more aggressive physically in both the run and passing game. Would also love to see him show more of a fiery attitude.
Cowboys Fit:
As far as Dallas Cowboys fits go, Patrick Surtain II is as close to an ideal candidate to pair with Trevon Diggs as they come in this year's draft class. His size, length, and technique is exactly the kind of boundary cornerback Dan Quinn in is looking for in his 4-3 defensive scheme that relies heavily on press-man coverage in Cover 1-3. If indeed paired with his former teammate Trevon Diggs, Surtain would give the Cowboys two talented, young CBs who could solidify their secondary for the foreseeable future. As projected as an early first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Surtain may or may not still be available when Dallas is on the clock with the 10th overall pick.
