Cowboys address biggest need first in new seven-round mock 2.0

Round 1, pick 10: Patrick Surtain II, CB- Alabama

A lot has changed for the Dallas Cowboys over the past week. First, the team made what was arguably its most significant move yet this offseason when it signed safety Damontae Kazee. Then, the draft order was thrown for a loop by a series of trades made by the Miami Dolphins that resulted in Dallas being the first NFC East team on the board (the Philadelphia Eagles moved back to the 12th overall pick).

However, those developments do not change the Cowboys’ strategy here with their first pick in the NFL Draft. The team once again chooses to draft Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the tenth overall pick. Another development that only bolsters the argument that the team should take Surtain here also happened when he ran a blazing 4.42 (unofficial) 40-time.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound defensive back is a physical cornerback who excels in press-man coverage. During his time at Alabama, he managed to accrue an impressive 116 total tackles, four interceptions, and 24 pass deflections (the 17th most in the history of the SEC).

The 20-year old played an integral role in Alabama’s run to a National Championship this past season as well as he posted a career-high in tackles for a loss with 3.5 and pass deflections with nine while also nabbing one interception in 13 games.

The move here would also pair Surtain II with his former teammate Trevon Diggs. Diggs led the Cowboys in interceptions (3) and pass deflections (14) during his impressive rookie year for America’s Team last season.

The selection of Patrick Surtain II addresses what is arguably the teams’ biggest position of need while allowing them to nab one of the best defensive players in this draft. Surtain has the pedigree (his dad was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback in the NFL), the experience (he played 40 games at Alabama against top-notch opponents in the SEC), and the raw ability to allow the Cowboys to feel confident in their selection here.