2021 NFL Mock Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields are golden tickets
player. 32. Scouting Report. Patrick Surtain II. CB. Alabama. 12. Pick Analysis
As a 5-star recruit heading to Tuscaloosa and with the bloodlines and name he carries, expectations were extremely high for Patrick Surtain II from the moment he committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide. Playing under head coach Nick Saban, who has a history of producing some elite defensive backs in terms of NFL Draft prospects, only added to the pressure for the son of the former NFL star with the same name (minus the “II”).
Over his two seasons in the Alabama secondary, however, Surtain II has more than held his own. He was one of the strongest contributors in the defensive back group as a rotational player in his freshman campaign but starred for the Crimson Tide last season as he had two picks and eight passes defensed. Now he’ll be expected to be even better for Saban’s team in the 2020 season but he’s more than capable.
Surtain isn’t going to be a Combine warrior as he’s not a burner nor does he have elite explosiveness. He’s more than adequate in that regard, though, but he does his best work using his long 6-2, 203-pound frame to be physical and disruptive. With nice instincts as well, he can be the future of the Arizona Cardinals secondary as Patrick Peterson is on the tail end of his prime years.