Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II Was As Dominant As Ever in the College Circuit

Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II enters the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the best cornerback prospects in the country. Winning the national championship with his side, the corner is high on the list of several franchises.

Son of former NFL Pro Bowl corner Patrick Surtain, the Alabama pass out is now looking to make his mark on the league. Apart from having his father’s name, the corner is also known to be a fierce competitor on the pitch. 

A consistent performer for Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban, we take a look at what made Patrick Surtain II one of the best cornerback prospects in the country.

Elite physical traits make Patrick Surtain II stand out 

Surtain made his debut for Alabama Crimson Tide in his freshman year. It was in 2019 though that the cornerback elevated his game to the next level.

Recording two interceptions alongside three forced fumbles and 42 tackles, Surtain announced his arrival. In the 2020 season, the cornerback continued some of the good work to earn several All-American honors.

Surtain’s game is at a different level thanks to elite physical attributes. Standing at 6’2″ with an arm span of 32 1/2″, Surtain dominates wide receivers with his reach. 

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Another aspect of his game that makes him a coach’s favorite is his disciplined approach to the game. Apart from focusing on the tie itself, the cornerback ensures he doesn’t commit too many fouls to give away free yards.

For his performances over the course of the 2020 season, the cornerback was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He even won the Rose Bowl Defensive MVP award. 

Surtain fits best into a press-man scheme. With his combination of reach and quickness over short lengths, Surtain has all the traits of a future shutdown corner in the NFL.

Perhaps the only concern to his game is his susceptibility to being exposed on the deeper routes. Something which a press-man scheme wouldn’t require him to do much of.

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly a team interested in the young cornerback. Given the Cowboys’ woeful secondary in 2020, drafting Surtain would be a certain improvement.

Which franchise do you feel would be a perfect fit for Patrick Surtain II? 

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