2021 NFL Mock Draft: Bears trade into top 10, Washington Football Team goes offense

The Cowboys drafted a cornerback from Alabama in the second round last year, Trevon Diggs. This year, they could pull the trigger on one in the first round.

During free agency, the Cowboys lost Chidobe Awuzie to the Bengals, who used Awuzie to replace William Jackson III. As a result, the Cowboys need a new outside starter, especially if their plan is to continue playing Jourdan Lewis in the slot.

Patrick Surtain II is a great fit for the team. Surtain was a key player on the Alabama defense in his three seasons with the squad and was as steady as they come.  He wasn’t too flashy, but he had at least seven pass defenses each season and posted five total picks during his three years. So, his ball skills are good enough.

Surtain’s father, Patrick Surtain Sr., played in the NFL, so the bloodlines are there for Surtain II. That could afford him the opportunity to adjust to the NFL quickly, as he spent some of his youth around NFL teams.

At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, Surtain has good size. He should have a chance to serve as a No. 1 corner and at the very least, using him in tandem with his college teammate Diggs will give the Cowboys two solid starters on the outside that are big, physical, and should eventually become hard to beat.

The Cowboys could opt to address their offensive line here, but their bigger needs come on the defensive side of the ball. As such, cornerback and linebacker are far more likely to be the selections with cornerback being the clubhouse leader since their need at that position is greater.