2021 NFL Draft: New York Jets find new franchise QB in NFL mock draft
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, Pick 8
58. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. player. Alabama. Patrick Surtain II. 8
Left tackle is probably the most obvious position of need for the Washington Football Team and I would not count out a first-round quarterback if Dwayne Haskins struggles to take the next step. That being said, Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II is clearly one of the best players available on the board and Washington certainly has a major need at cornerback as well.
Surtain is a big and long cornerback prospect who shows impressive natural instincts in coverage. He is extremely smart and patient in coverage, showing the ability to bait opposing quarterbacks into a poor throw and close on the ball quickly enough to knock it away. He has impressive raw speed on the outside and is also quick in short spaces.
With a strong combination of size, length and speed, Surtain certainly has plenty of upside in man coverage. However, he also shows impressive instincts in zone coverage, reading the quarterback well and attacking the ball in the air at an extremely high level.
Surtain is undoubtedly an impressive cornerback prospect who has massive upside at the next level. He is one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft class and will likely only raise his profile at Alabama this season. Washington could certainly use some more talent at the cornerback position and Surtain stands out as a nice value selection in this range.