Back in January, ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. decided that the best path to long-term improvement for the Dallas Cowboys was to select Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater to join and replenish the offensive line. He did so with the draft’s best corners still on the board. It was a bold move, but not one without precedent as many mocks (including several on Cowboys Wire) have looked to prepare for the replacement of left tackle Tyron Smith. Whether that’s this year or in the near future, that seems to be solid thinking.
In the latest iteration though, available through ESPN’s paywall, Kiper has reversed course. Through various trades and five quarterback being selected in the top 9 picks, Kiper sees the Cowboys looking past Slater and helping the OL and finding their top pick by heading down to Tuscaloosa. The selection? Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
10. Dallas Cowboys
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
I was down to offensive line or cornerback for Dallas, and with Chidobe Awuzie and Jourdan Lewis likely to leave in free agency, I see corner as the bigger need. The Cowboys were terrible on defense last season, and new coordinator Dan Quinn has a ways to go to turn it around. Surtain on one side with former Alabama teammate Trevon Diggs on the other is a great way to start. The Dak Prescott decision looms large on the Cowboys’ offseason, but I expect him to get franchise tagged or sign a long-term deal.
Here’s Cowboys Wire’s initial scouting report on Surtain from Ben Glassmire, followed by other CB prospects.
Patrick Surtain could turn Cowboys secondary around instantly
CB Kelvin Joseph’s buzz is skyrocketing, potential Cowboys fit
CB Jaycee Horn is far cry from consolation prize for Cowboys in 2021 draft
Syracuse’s Ifeatu Melifonwu may be 2021 draft’s 4th corner, of interest to Cowboys
Cowboys slot options for 2021 should include drafting Asante Samuel Jr.
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