2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 9th overall
Patrick Surtain II. 45. Scouting Report. CB. Alabama. 9. player. Pick Analysis
It looks like the Denver Broncos are moving on from A.J. Bouye after they cut him earlier this month. The team traded for Bouye last year, sending a fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars for him. Unfortunately, Bouye struggled in 2020 as he battled both injuries and a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. The move saves Denver over $13 million in salary-cap space and also creates a need to find a starting cornerback.
The Denver Broncos could look to fill this need in the 2021 NFL Draft by taking Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain. Surtain has been one of the best corners in college football over the past couple of seasons being named a unanimous first-team All-American this season. Surtain has the size, speed, and fundamentally sound play to step right into the starting lineup next year for the Broncos.
Surtain would join a secondary that already has some talent as both Bryce Callahan and Michael Ojemudia have proven they can be solid contributors in the NFL. If the team decided to go with a different cornerback at this position, Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley would be a wise choice for the team with the ninth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.