By: Vince Holmes
Patrick Surtain Jr. (#2)
6’2 202 lbs.
20 y/o University of Alabama
(Getty Images)
Games watched: vs LSU (‘19), vs Michigan (‘19), vs Georgia (‘20), vs Florida (’20), Ohio State (’20)
Summary:
Arriving in Tuscaloosa as a highly touted recruit from Plantation, Florida, Surtain Jr. is the son of former NFL cornerback, Patrick Surtain Sr.
Basically a 3-year starter, Surtain Jr. finished his career with over 20 Pass break ups (“PBU’s”), 82 solo tackles, 4 INTs as well as 4 forced fumbles.
He finished his final season as the 2020 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, College Football National Champion (’20), First Team All SEC (’20), Unanimous All American (‘20), 2021 Rose Bowl Defensive Player of the Game.
Strengths:
- Size and Length
- Technique (always in phase)
- Driving on the football
- Can play both man and zone
- NFL DNA
Weaknesses:
- Tracking the ball at times
- Can be too physical
- Can lose the receiver while the ball is in the air
Conclusion:
After a deep dive into his tape, Surtain Jr. is even better than it seems on the surface. He’s patient at the LOS, uses his length to reroute receivers, he’s always “in phase” specifically on the fade route.
His ability to drive on the football and force PBU’s is special, having a father who played in the NFL seems to pay dividends for his game. Surtain Jr. is as polished as they come coming out of college.
I do however, have questions and intrigued to see how well he moves at his pro day, can he follow #1 receivers all over the field is another question mark.
A good showing at his pro day could move him into the top 5 of my big board. A special talent, Surtain projects to be a day 1 starter, and potential perennial All Pro/Pro Bowler.
Overall Grade: Gem
