With the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr.
Surtain arrived on campus as a blue-chip recruit, garnering All-American honors for his prolific play at the American Heritage School in his native Plantation, Florida, where he was coached by his father Patrick Surtain, an 11-year NFL vet and three-time Pro Bowler for the Miami Dolphins. He only amassed four interceptions over his 38 games in Tuscaloosa (his lone takeaway in 2020 was a pick-six against Mississippi State), the result of quarterbacks being too afraid to throw in his direction. An able tackler with the requisite size and speed to be an immediate NFL difference-maker (he recently ran a 4.46 forty at 6’2”/208), Surtain cemented his first-round status with a masterful junior year in 2020, winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the National Champs while finishing as a finalist for both the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Awards.
Measurables: 6’2”/208
School: Alabama
2020 stats: 38 tackles (3.5 for loss), one interception, one defensive touchdown, nine deflections, 12 passes defended
Accolades: SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2020), Unanimous All-American (2020), First team All-SEC (2020), National Champion (2020), Rose Bowl Defensive MVP (2021), finalist for the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Awards (2020), two-time high-school All-American (2016-17) and former five-star recruit
Strengths: Obviously Surtain grew up around the game—his old man was one of the sport’s top defensive backs for a period of time—a comfort level demonstrated by his polished approach, rigid adherence to technique and his innate, almost telepathic anticipation. Every bit of his listed 6’2”/208, Surtain is a rugged tackler and as good a one-on-one defender as you’ll see at the college level. Lethal in man coverage, Surtain’s interceptions were mostly of the highlight-reel variety, requiring him to make impossible leaping grabs. Supremely confident in his fundamentals, the cerebral 21-year-old will rarely bite on fakes and isn’t fazed in the slightest by double moves.
Weaknesses: Surtain was flagged for pass interference four times as a sophomore in 2019, but he cleaned that up in a hurry, avoiding any penalties the following year. Though agile for his robust 6’2” frame, Surtain will occasionally get beat off the line by faster wideouts with better first steps. Luckily, he’s crafty enough to offset his lack of burst by reading opponents’ eyes and anticipating their routes. A daunting perimeter presence, Surtain was rarely asked to cover the slot at ‘Bama and struggled when he did with slant routes being his Achilles heel.
NFL comparison: Stephon Gilmore
Scouts have compared Surtain to everyone from Jalen Ramsey to Trumaine Johnson (Byron Jones is another comp that’s been making the rounds lately), but his resemblance to Gilmore is uncanny. Both are powerfully built, fundamentally sound corners with elite coverage skills.
What experts are saying
“I love his instincts and the way he quickly diagnoses wide receivers' routes and funnels them where he wants them to go. He is also a natural playmaker, with good ball-reaction skills and soft hands.” – Todd McShay, ESPN
“There’s really not a lot to nitpick about this guy’s game. Great feet. For his size, he’s really good in and out of breaks, can stick his foot in the ground. He’s got loose hips.” – Chris Simms, NBC Sports
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