2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears, Falcons, 49ers all join QB rat race
. CB. Denver Broncos. Patrick Surtain II. 9. player. 45
There were a number of directions to go with the No. 9 pick for the Denver Broncos. Quarterback was a consideration as the second-year returns on Drew Lock were more concerning than consoling. Furthermore, the future of longtime edge rusher Von Miller is looking less certain by the day. However, the secondary was the point of focus here, largely because Patrick Surtain II was still on the board.
The Alabama cornerback is the prototype for the position and should be ready to hit the ground running in the NFL. Blessed with great size and length, he may not be an otherworldly athlete but he’s more than capable and can win with his physicality on the outside in addition to a high football IQ. He’s a young asset the Broncos are currently lacking in the secondary and could solidify the top of that group for years to come.
123. . CB. Dallas Cowboys. Caleb Farley. 10. player
It’s no secret that the Dallas Cowboys secondary was an outright problem this past season and it’s only going to get worse as things stand currently going into 2021. With key players in the secondary set to hit free agency, the Cowboys must give new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn some quality bodies to work with in pass coverage if they have hopes of rekindling the magic he created in Seattle.
Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech could help them accomplish exactly that. Though he opted-out of the 2020 season with the Hokies, he put enough on tape last year to make him worthy of a top-10 pick. He is every bit the player that Surtain is, just with a bit less name-brand value. But on the field, his blend of physical tools, ball skills and overall feel for the position make him a player who could pair extremely well with Trevon Diggs on the outside in Dallas.