Dallas Cowboys seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft
By John Blair
The 2021 offseason will be a critical offseason for the Dallas Cowboys, as the decisions they make will impact the future of the team for the next generation. One of the biggest decisions the team will have to make is what to do with quarterback Dak Prescott. If they let Prescott go they are entering a rebuilding stage, but if they resign him they should be back to being a playoff contender next season.
The team will also need to make wise picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. The team holds the 10th pick in the draft, which is the highest they have picked since 2016 when they chose Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth pick in the draft. Dallas currently holds six picks in the 2021 NFL Draft but could have up to ten after compensatory picks are awarded. Let’s look ahead and see how the Dallas Cowboys can improve this offseason with a complete seven-round 2021 NFL mock draft for the team.
Round 1: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The biggest area the Dallas Cowboys need to address this offseason, assuming they resign Dak Prescott, is in the secondary. Last season, the Cowboys gave up 30 touchdown passes which ranked 30th in the NFL. The team also has several key free agents at this position they could possibly lose this offseason including Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis. The only bright spot at this position for the team was 2020 second-round draft pick, Trevon Diggs.
Look for the Dallas Cowboys to team up Diggs with his former college teammate Patrick Surtain, when they take him with the 10th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Last season, Surtain was rarely challenged in coverage as he only allowed 25 yards receiving against him last season. When teams did throw against him Surtain was able to make his share of plays as well as he broke up a team-high 12 passes.
When it comes to how Surtain transitions to the NFL, there is no doubt he could develop into one of the best corners in the game. To start with he has ideal size coming in at 6-foot-2 and moves extremely well for someone his size. He also has the speed and overall quickness to excel. Plus he shows fundamentally sound play, so he should be able to make an impact from day one in the NFL.
If Surtain is off the board by the time the Dallas Cowboys pick in the first round, cornerback Caleb Farley would also make sense for the team.