Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II is a three-year starter at the highest of levels in college and a player that was obviously massively influenced in a positive way by his father — as well as Nick Saban. Surtain also happens to have prototypical size and strength for the cornerback position to go along with his outstanding technique, especially as a press-man-coverage defender. He is tough and highly competitive. Let’s discern Surtain’s top landing spots and his overall 2021 NFL Draft projection.
Patrick Surtain’s Draft Projection
Surtain projects as the top cornerback off the board and a sure-fire first-round pick that will have his name called in the first half of the first round. He also could be the first defensive player taken in a draft loaded with talent on the other side of the ball. With Caleb Farley’s injury situation and Surtain killing it at the Alabama Pro Day, his value has only increased.
Surtain has long arms that he uses very well to reroute receivers. He has outstanding size for the position and tested much better at the Alabama Pro Day than most had expected. Still, we should note that he didn’t participate in the agility drills (and that might not be the strength of his athletic profile). He is also great at the catch point and shows rare awareness for the position. Surtain plays the run well and takes pride in that area of his game.
What might be most impressive about Surtain is that this guy seldom has a bad snap. His consistency at a high level is amazing no matter what he is asked to do, play to play.
Potential landing spots for Surtain
Who should target Surtain in the first round and where are his best schematic fits?
Detroit Lions
The Lions pick at No. 7 and could also entertain offers to move down if a team like Denver or New England is looking to move up for a quarterback. The Lions need everything. While they drafted a cornerback high in the first round last year, adding possibly the draft’s best defensive player in Surtain wouldn’t be so terrible as they rebuild that entire side of the ball.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are likely to go with an offensive player to put around Sam Darnold when they are on the clock at No. 8. However, don’t forget that they went entirely with defense in this front office/coaching staff’s first draft. This organization understands the value of having a premier cornerback on a rookie contract.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is probably the most likely landing spot for Surtain. The Cowboys took another Alabama cornerback in the second round last year. Nevertheless, their secondary needs all the help it can get. Jerry Jones might look to add to his offensive line in Round 1 or might luck into a rare playmaker in Kyle Pitts. Consequently, the smart move would be to add Surtain to help a defense that was really poor in 2020.
Philadelphia Eagles
Could Surtain last until the No. 12 pick? It is possible, but don’t forget that Philadelphia is now loaded with future picks and could easily move up a few spots to grab a great player like Surtain to pair with Darius Slay. This organization has always put a premium on front-line defenders and cornerbacks, often ignoring the second level of the defense.
New England Patriots
Surtain has zero chance of getting to the No. 15 pick in this draft, and if New England is going to trade up, it is likely for a quarterback. But hear me out — the Patriots’ defense is built from the back to the front with a huge premium on tough, smart, versatile man-coverage cornerbacks with great size. Doesn’t that sound like Surtain? Plus, don’t forget the relationship Bill Belichick has with Saban. Who is to say what Belichick is thinking? But he has to adore Surtain.
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