Patrick Surtain II NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 202 pounds
School: University of Alabama
2021 NFL Draft: Patrick Surtain II Player Profile
The Alabama Crimson Tide have had many elite defensive playmakers go on to the NFL. Since his first season at Alabama in 2018, Patrick Surtain II has been one of the most consistent playmakers for that Tide defense. Surtain started 12 games in his true freshman season as he played in all 15 games for Alabama. In his freshman season, he accounted for 37 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, seven pass deflections, and one interception. In his sophomore season, Surtain was placed as the number one coverage cornerback for the Tide’s defense. It was clear that he was emerging as one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the sport of college football. In 2019, Surtain accounted for 42 total tackles, 32 solo tackles, eight pass deflections, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Surtain received a coverage grade of 84.6 by Pro Football Focus in 2019.
His junior and final season at Alabama would be his best season as the starting for Alabama. This past season, Surtain accounted for 37 total tackles, 22 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, and one interception. In the 2021 Rose Bowl game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Surtain accounted for three total tackles, two solo tackles, and one pass deflection. He was named Defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl due to the shutdown ability of the Irish’s top receivers. Surtain played even better in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Surtain was given a coverage grade of 88.6 for the 2020 season. He comes into this 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most premier lockdown cornerbacks and gifted athletes.
Strengths
- He can efficiently scout the ball;
- Tough and consistent tackler;
- Able to quickly turn his hips and mirror his receiver;
- A tremendous athlete with a great leap;
- Reads the quarterbacks’ eyes efficiently to therefore judge where the ball is being thrown;
- Able to stick to his assigned receiver despite extensive route running;
- Incredible techniques in his movement and reactions.
Weaknesses
- Lacks an elite level speed down the stretch despite good agility;
- He is less efficient against tight ends on the outside;
- Experiences late reactions in the run plays;
- Has a smaller frame despite having good height;
- He may be called for more pass interferences with his intentions to hit the receiver;
- Takes some risks in his hip turns and reactions to his play on the ball.
NFL Comparisons: Byron Jones
Teams With Needs At The Position: Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions
Projection: Top 15 Pick
Bottom Line on Patrick Surtain II
Surtain has been one of the most complete cornerback prospects for several years. His ability to play his role as a lockdown coverage cornerback makes him one of the most reliable defensive players for the Crimson Tide. He will be one of the most demanded defensive players in this 2021 NFL Draft. Despite his elite playmaking agility and his consistency, Surtain might slip in the Draft due to the need for the offensive positions such as quarterback, receivers, and tackles. His value sets him as one of the top players in the draft regardless of position.
NFL teams with serious needs at the cornerback position will be looking to draft Surtain early in the first round. Teams for a need at cornerback will be the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. If selected early in the first round, Surtain becomes the number one cornerback. If drafted by the Cowboys, he will join his former teammate in Trevon Diggs, who also had a tremendous season in his first year. When utilized efficiently, Surtain could become a long-time starting cornerback in the league. He could also become a multiple-time Pro-Bowl selection.
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