New York Jets early 2021 mock draft: Getting a top corner early
Corner. Alabama. Patrick Surtain II. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 5. player. 829
It’s certainly tempting for the New York Jets to go after a top wide receiver early in the draft, but there are more pressing needs along the edge and in the secondary. The Jets did sign corner Pierre Desir to a one year deal, who has been effective in Indianapolis. They also have an underrated slot corner in Brian Poole.
Even with many on draft Twitter excited for Bryce Hall to prove himself after falling to day three in the draft, that isn’t enough at corner. So, New York goes with a corner here at five overall in Patrick Surtain II. The fight for CB1 in the 2021 NFL Draft will be an interesting one, but Surtain belongs in that discussion here in the summer.
There are many traits to like with Surtain. He is extremely patient at the line of scrimmage and isn’t easily baited by wide receivers early in routes. Surtain shows good change of direction skills and is an absolute menace at the catch point. He gave LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase some headaches last season with good hand placement and stayed physical all game long.
Handling receivers like DeVante Parker and Stefon Diggs will be important for the Jets in the AFC East, and Surtain can be the shutdown guy New York relies on.