Carolina Panthers draft: Is Patrick Surtain too good to pass up?
By Dean Jones
Patrick Surtain scouting report
It’s hard not to look at Patrick Surtain II and come to any conclusion other than he is going to be an outstanding cornerback at the next level. He is the son of former three-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro Patrick Surtain Sr. and this strong bloodline could see the Alabama prospect become just as good if not better than his father when it’s all said and done.
Although he wouldn’t have what teams consider elite speed, Surtain is efficient in his movement that enables him to go down the field easily with receivers. The corner possesses exceptional instincts when the ball’s in the air and has the necessary length to make a difference in a contested-catch situation.
Surtain thrives in press coverage and over short to intermediate routes. Such was his level of production during his three years with the Crimson Tide, opposing teams grew increasingly wary of throwing in the player’s direction and although this will change in the NFL, it is a strong platform from which to build.
Having been on such a prestigious program that is a factory for successful professional players and with a dad who’s seen it all in the NFL, it would be a big shock if Surtain didn’t hit the ground running. Rookie cornerbacks tend to go through more growing pains than most, but this sort of pedigree is normally highly sought after.