SF 49ers: 5 cornerbacks who could replace Richard Sherman in 2021
By Robert Smith
No. 3: Patrick Surtain II, Alabama Crimson Tide
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the son of former NFL All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain, is a perfect combination of football IQ and elite physical tools.
At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Surtain II has the size to step in on day one to be a CB1. He is seamless in his transitions from turning and running with a receiver, to cutting and breaking on the ball.
Freshman Patrick Surtain II looking like his dad out there for @AlabamaFTBL. pic.twitter.com/byME7kk9Xf
— SEC on CBS 🏈 (@SEConCBS) September 22, 2018
Last season, Surtain played in 12 games, registering 42 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
His level of competition, production, and overall size and skill set will likely land him in the top 10 to 15 in April’s Draft.
The SF 49ers could be on the move up or down the draft board from their current top pick, No. 12 overall, much like they were last season. But if Surtain is available to them wherever they end up selecting, it would be hard to pass up a potential elite-level cornerback.