2021 NFL mock draft: 49ers and Patriots trade up for quarterbacks

2021 NFL mock draft Round 1, 9th overall

Cornerback became a pressing need for the Denver Broncos after they cut A.J. Bouye earlier this offseason. The team’s top remaining corner is Bryce Callahan who might best be served as a nickel corner. Due to this need, it would not be a shock if the team signed a premier free agent at this position and also drafted one early in the 2021 NFL Draft

One corner who would be able to start from day one is Alabama’s Patrick Surtain. Last season, Surtain was only targeted 48 times all year yet was still able to break up a team-high 12 passes. If you need more proof that Surtain has the skills just look at what his coach Nick Saban has to say about Surtain: “Does everything the right way. Smart, takes coaching well. I can’t say enough about this guy in every regard. He’s gonna be very successful, no doubt.”

2021 NFL mock draft Round 1, 10th overall

Dallas will look primarily at two positions with this pick which are cornerback and offensive tackle. However, the better value might be at corner as Caleb Farley is still available. This is a need as the team struggled in coverage some last season. Dallas also might lose two of its top corners in Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis in free agency.

Farley is a prospect who is still learning the finer points of the cornerback position, having only played it for two seasons in college. However, he has already shown the ability to be a high first-round pick. In 2019 he led all ACC corners with four interceptions and he only allowed 38% of the passes thrown at him to be completed. He definitely has the potential to team up with Trevon Diggs and give the Cowboys two young promising corners.