NFL Scouting Report: CB Patrick Surtain II (Alabama)

PSO’s original Scouting Reports strive to be uniquely valuable in evaluating a player’s future outlook by focusing on the four main subjects that summarize a player’s likelihood of succeeding at the next level including: Natural Physical Tools, College Game Film, proven Production, and overall Risk that each individual player presents to a team drafting him. For a full breakdown of PSO’s Scouting Reports, click here.

Bio

Pos: CB

Hometown: Plantation, FL

School: Alabama

Class: Junior

DOB: 4/14/2000 (21)

Height: 6’2″ (95%) | Weight: 208 lbs (94%)

Hands: 10” (96%) | Arms: 32.5” (84%)

Bench: 18 reps (84%) | 40-YD: 4.42s (75%)

Interesting Facts

Son of former All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain
Unanimous All-American and SEC DPOY in 2020
89.9 overall PFF grade ranked 1st among all CBs
2,663 career snaps (2,243 out wide) in 40 games over 3 seasons
2021 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP & 2021 National Champion

Physical Tools

Pros

Prototypical frame — 6’2″, 208 lbs
Great length (32.5″ arms) to disrupt WRs at the LOS
Impressive explosion — 39″ vertical, 131″ broad
Quality straight-line speed (4.42s 40-YD)
Strong upper-body (18 reps — 84th %tile)
5-star recruit, 5th-ranked overall prospect in 2018 (#1 CB)

Cons

Adequate, not great change-of-direction ability
Did not participate in agility drills (3-cone, shuttle)

Grade: A

Game Film

Pros

Terrific coverage technique and positioning
Ball skills and length to routinely disrupt the catch point
Calm and collected demeanor in coverage
Disciplined hand usage — not overly grabby
Nuanced in reading, mirroring, controlling WRs
Solid tackler that will execute his run assignments
Comfortable on the outside over 3 seasons as starter

Cons

Could use more hand activity at the LOS
Prone to allowing ground behind him (Josh Palmer)

Grade: A

Production

Pros

Unanimous All-American, SEC DPOY, 1st-Team All-SEC (2020)
Vast majority of career snaps came out wide (84%)
Top-rated CB in 2020 (89.9 overall PFF grade), 22nd in 2019
Outstanding coverage (88.6) and zone (83.3) grades
Showed steady and consistent improvement (79.0 to 83.5 to 89.9)
10 forced incompletions in 2020 (T-7th); 5 came past 20 yards
43.8% completion rate allowed in 2020
Only 2 TDs allowed, came on his only 20+ yard completions (14 targets)

Cons

Man-to-man production not on par (69.4)
Only 4 career INTs, 8 turnovers forced over 1,584 snaps

Grade: A

Risk

Pros

Decorated, productive, and consistent 3-year SEC career
Impressive year-over-year improvement
Technically sound and incredibly nuanced
Outstanding instincts and football IQ
Disciplined demeanor with top-tier ball skills
Very strong Pro Day — 84th %tile or better
Plenty of experience on the outside (1,410 career snaps)
CB in his blood — son of an All-Pro CB

Cons

Speed, change-of-direction ability are somewhat lacking
Lack of physicality at the LOS & prone to deep balls
Hasn’t made many game-changing plays (4 career INTs)

Grade: A-

Overall

A 5-star CB recruit after playing for his father — a Pro Bowl CB himself — Patrick Jr. quickly grew into one of the most even-keeled DBs in the entire country during his time under HC Nick Saban. After allowing a 72.7 passer rating as a freshman, Surtain II continually improved each and every week, eventually earning the best PFF grade among all CBs in 2020.

Despite those marks, his speed was repeatedly questioned, especially after allowing separation on a number of deep routes against Tennessee WR Josh Palmer. That question was put to rest at Alabama’s pro day, however, as he was clocked in the 40 at 4.42s (75th percentile). In addition to a surprising 40-time, his explosiveness came to the forefront as well, jumping 39″ and 131″ in the vertical and broad. Throw 18 bench press reps in there, and all the figures point to him being a terrific athlete with coverage abilities in his genes.

With exceptional technique and the majority of his experience coming out wide, there’s no reason to think his skills won’t transition to the next level. Technically-sound and relatively physical, Surtain is a fine tackler but could certainly utilize his size and strength more in press coverage and run support. Though the questions surrounding his athleticism persist despite his Pro Day performance, Surtain’s ball skills and cerebral approach provide an excellent floor as a boundary CB.

Pro Comp: CB Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore Ravens)

Projected Round: Top-15 Pick

Prime Destinations: CAR, DET, DEN, DAL, NYG, PHI, LAC

OVERALL Grade: A