2021 NFL Draft: Trey Lance lands in top five of way-too-early mock draft
Scouting Report. Patrick Surtain II. 14. player. 44. Pick Analysis. CB. Alabama
Atlanta Falcons’ projected win total: 7.6
Patrick Surtain II 2019 stats: 42 total tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles.
The Atlanta Falcons took cornerback A.J. Terrell in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Terrell is a talented player who could quickly grow into a solid player for this team. However, he was a bit of a reach at No. 16 and I doubt that he ever really grows into a true number one cornerback. Finding an impact edge rusher in this mock draft would probably be ideal, but the value simply was not available here at No. 14.
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Instead, the Falcons swing again for that true number one cornerback. Patrick Surtain II is big, long and physical on the outside and is particularly impressive in press coverage. He is a tough and aggressive cornerback who consistently makes life difficult on opposing receivers. Surtain is also quick, fast, explosive and has tremendous natural ball skills. Make no mistake about it, this guy has true number one cornerback upside.
A starting cornerback duo of Surtain and Terrell would have fantastic upside. In the modern NFL, loading up on the cornerback position is not a bad way to build a defense. More than anything, this pick comes down to value. Surtain has the talent to become one of the top defensive prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class and he plays a premium position.