FRISCO, Texas — As the 2021 NFL Draft nears, speculation rises around which player the Dallas Cowboys will select with their 10th overall pick. A myriad of mock drafts have been published and endless discussions have commenced over social media platforms by media/fans on who that player should be. Who would be the best fit in Dallas?
The general outlook seems to favor the four players listed below as the club’s next first-round pick in April. Every player being discussed in the first round is a high-caliber and heavily sought-after collegiate playmaker. Here is a more in-depth look at each of those four stars: Patrick Surtain II, Kyle Pitts, Penei Sewell, and Jaycee Horn.
Alabama CB, Patrick Surtain II
Throughout the pre-draft process, Surtain II’s name has become synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys and their first-round pick. He has been the most heavily linked to the franchise and fits the team’s most pressing need. He is regarded as arguably the top cornerback of the 2021 class and if he is there, the Alabama product seems like a perfect choice. The pro-ready corner checks all of the boxes and would be an upgrade to the Cowboys who ranked 27th in pass defense last season. With the departure of Chidobe Awuzie in free agency to the Bengals, he is a potential starter opposite Trevon Diggs. Both Diggs and Surtain were teammates and formed one of the most formidable cornerback duos in college football for the Crimson Tide. If selected, the two would be reunited in the Cowboys’ secondary. Who does not love the sound of that?
Surtain has garnered praise and attention throughout his college career for his football IQ, physical beat down of receivers, discipline, and playing through the catch point. He built up a reputation in the SEC where quarterbacks often opted to not thrown in his direction- the ultimate praise for a cornerback. However, there are some concerns with his lack of interceptions. Surtain has been compared to former Cowboys’ safety turned corner, Byron Jones – who although talented in press coverage – faced criticism for not being able to get his hands on the ball. Another con to Surtain’s game is his delayed reaction to his opponent off the snap. He sometimes struggled when receivers were able to maneuver out of his jam, resulting in separation gained by speed on short routes.
Overall, Surtain obviously meets the criteria of a prototypical top cornerback prospect in the draft. As the son of former three-time pro bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr., football is in his blood. Growing up immersed in the game has only led to success propelling Patrick Surtain II forward. An obvious choice for the Cowboys at No. 10.
Florida TE, Kyle Pitts
This is a controversial topic, but it should not be. Many argue that a defensive player is a must after the club’s horrendous performance last year on that side of the football. Or the Cowboys already went the offensive route last year with CeeDee Lamb at No. 17 overall so why take another weapon on offense? The key- generational talent. Pitts is deemed one of the most talented players in this draft and sure, he likely will not still be on the board at No. 10, but if he is, he is player Dallas has to consider. Pitts is a nightmare mismatch and a guy that can transform an offense. He would bolster an already impressive offensive unit in Dallas. Why not elevate an explosive unit under Kellen Moore to make it more lethal to NFL defenses? With that kind of firepower, the opposition would have massive containment issues in game planning for Dallas.
Last season, Dalton Schultz did have a surprising emergence but is not a dominant mismatch over the middle of the field. He showcased potential but is not the weapon that Pitts is. Then there are the post-injury questions surrounding Blake Jarwin. Will he hit peak-form coming back from his ACL injury? With the departure of Jason Witten and Geoff Swaim, Jarwin became the team’s top receiving tight end and has the size to box out defenders. With the absence of Blake Bell and depth option Seth McKeon, that suffices in warranting the Cowboys grabbing Pitts if he falls to No. 10. An unlikely possibility but one that is worth delving into. Afterall, Lamb was available at No. 17 a year ago.
Pitts is the ultimate embodiment of a hybrid. The size of a tight end but the ball skills/route-running fluidity of a wide receiver. He sells routes, has a quick release off the line of scrimmage, gets vertical against linebackers and safeties, can adjust to the ball, and is a natural pass catcher. Pitts has the wingspan and athleticism to extend in order to make receptions away from his body. Like many players at his position, blocking is a con to his game. Pitts is a willing blocker but needs more refinement and development entering the pro level where players are stronger and faster. The Cowboys lost the “belldozer” who served as the team’s primary in-line blocker and the Cowboys will need players to step up and assist in protection.
Overall, he is the standard of success for a tight end entering the league. He is the “best player available” approach for the Cowboys at No. 10. Drafting solely for need will end up getting you beat on the field more often than not and Pitts is an intriguing prospect that cannot be overlooked.
Oregon OT, Penei Sewell
This may not be the sexiest pick but just look at what Zack Martin and Tyron Smith have accomplished in silver and blue? The battle begins in the trenches and there is a reason Sewell is the best prospect at his position and a top-five graded player. The premiere left tackle would help boost the Cowboys’ front five. Everyone saw the importance of having a solid offensive line unit hitting the field as injuries piled up last season for Joe Philbin’s group. Yes, La’el Collins and Tyron Smith are elite players, but both cannot stay healthy and seem to miss time more than they are actually lining up at the line of scrimmage. The clock is ticking, and Dallas has to consider options. Like Pitts, if Sewell is a player available at No. 10, he would be difficult to pass up. A player that ensures the productivity of the run and pass game, deserves attention and consideration.
Sewell impressed throughout his collegiate tenure with agility, effective lateral blocking range, explosive hand punch, and his seamless adjustment to pass rushers. He plays with tenacity and wins at the point of attack. A con to his game is his tendency to over-set at times that puts him in a compromised position. He will need to develop his technique entering the pro level facing power edge rushers.
Sewell is one of the most exciting offensive tackle prospects in the draft over the past 10 years. Not likely, but if the unthinkable happens on draft night or if the Cowboys’ top-rated CB on their board is unavailable, Sewell would be an instant impact player. He is a cornerstone choice for the Cowboys at No. 10.
South Carolina CB, Jaycee Horn
Surtain II may be the fan favorite to join the Cowboys, but Horn has sparked interest as well. He possesses the relentless and physical mentality that coaches desire; an element that the Cowboys’ last line of defense has lacked. Horn also provides position versatility which is a big selling point for head coach Mike McCarthy. He played predominately in the slot in 2018 and moved outside in 2019-20.
Horn has earned a spot in the CB1 discussion due to his ball-tracking ability, instincts in man coverage, route recognition, and staying with receivers out of breaks with superb hip flip. He battles bigger receivers for the football and possesses immense potential at the pro level. A con to Horn’s craft is finishing tackles in the open field, play in off-man coverage, and his aggressiveness can lead to penalties.
Like Surtain, football runs in his veins. Horn is the son of four-time pro bowl wide receiver Joe Horn. The SEC star learned the route tree at a young age from his father and that knowledge has translated onto the field. He comes with the promising potential of becoming a shutdown corner in the NFL suffocating receivers. He is the wild card candidate for the Cowboys at No. 10. One that would likely thrive in Dan Quinn’s cover three and cover one system.
