2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys play it smart at No. 10

10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Picking at No. 17 last year, the Dallas Cowboys became the talk of the first round when they pushed back their obvious defensive needs to take CeeDee Lamb. To be clear, that pick was fully justified as the value was tremendous and, quietly, Lamb filled a tremendous long-term need for the offense as they were preparing to commit to Dak Prescott (eventually).

Don’t, however, expect the Cowboys to make the shocking pick this year. From everything that we’re hearing, Dallas learned a bit of a valuable lesson from the way the 2020 season played out in terms of their roster — the defense, in particular — having fatal flaws that must be addressed.

The safest pick the Cowboys could make is also the best pick: Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The son of former Dolphins great Patrick Surtain, the son is quite the prospect in his own right. His technique is unmatched at cornerback in this class and he showed at his pro day he has the athleticism to back that up.

Pairing Surtain with his former Crimson Tide teammate, Trevon Diggs, after the latter’s impressive progression as a rookie would set the Dallas secondary up for long-term success.

Who I Would Pick: Patrick Surtain II