Photo by Kent Gidley
FRISCO, Texas — Throughout the pre-draft process, cornerback Patrick Surtain II has been invariably linked to the Dallas Cowboys. His name has been synonymous with the Cowboys’ No. 10 overall pick in April’s NFL draft.
Alabama has produced some of the most prolific players over the years to the pro level with top recruiting amongst the SEC hierarchy. That in it of itself is enough to garner attention from NFL scouts as the draft nears. The Crimson Tide hosted the first of two Pro day workouts as NFL prospects underwent evaluations and measurements. As expected for a team coming off a national championship, Alabama’s Pro Day on Tuesday was widely attended by NFL scouts, personnel, and coaches.
It is certainly worth noting who was in attendance in Tuscaloosa- Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Following 2020’s lackluster defensive performance, Dallas is in desperate need of a boost in the secondary. Surtain II is a player that has sparked attention for his discipline, route-recognition, instincts, vertical speed, and ball-tracking ability. No surprise considering football has long been a love affair of his. As the son of former All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr, the game runs through his veins.
Surtain II immediately made a contribution as a freshman in one of college football’s best defenses (rarity) and went on to deliver a career/ reputation in the SEC where quarterbacks opted not to throw in his direction. That speaks volumes.
He possesses a high football intelligence and length that most defensive coordinators/passing game coordinators desire. As expected, Surtain put up impressive numbers at Alabama’s Pro Day.
Inside his team facility, Surtain measured in at 6’2, 208 pounds and posted 10 feet, 11 inches broad jump (93rd percentile) and 39-inch vertical. The 40-yard dash was an area that appeared to be a cause for concern by some, but he put the doubt to rest. Surtain II ran a 4.42 40-yard dash. He answered any lingering questions regarding his speed.
If it was at all possible to up his draft stock even more, Surtain II did just that today.
With the departure of Chidobe Awuzie in free agency to the Bengals, the Cowboys are in need of an upgrade opposite Trevon Diggs. Dallas did re-sign slot corner Jourdan Lewis to a three-year deal and currently have Anthony Brown and Rashard Robinson in addition on the depth chart at cornerback.
Surtain II and Trevon Diggs became one of the most dangerous cornerback tandems in college football and the two could potentially be reunited in Dallas. If Tuesday is any indication, Surtain II would be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ secondary with the 10th overall pick.
