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Cornerback prospect would improve Arizona Cardinals defense

By Jim Koch

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Almost ten years ago, the Arizona Cardinals made one of the greatest draft selections in the history of the franchise. Cornerback Patrick Peterson, the club’s fifth-overall pick back in 2011, received an impressive eight Pro Bowl nominations during his NFL career. It’s been a fantastic run, but it may be time for the Cards to find a replacement for the 30-year old Peterson.

One of the most highly-touted corners coming out of college this year happens to be the offspring of a former NFL stud. Patrick Surtain II, the son of former three-time Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain Sr., is a youngster who’s loaded with potential. The University of Alabama junior is an outstanding prospect who’s projected to be a first-round choice in this coming April’s draft.

The 20-year old Surtain would be an terrific addition to the Arizona secondary. Peterson is scheduled to become a free agent in March, and there’s a very real possibility that the veteran will be playing elsewhere in 2021. Surtain II has the pedigree, and the talent, to take over as the Cardinals number-one cover guy going forward.

This past season, Surtain II totaled 37 tackles, an interception and nine passes defensed in 13 games for the Crimson Tide. The 6’2, 202 pounder was a Unanimous All-American selection, and was also the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Surtain II was named the MVP of the 2021 Rose Bowl as well for his efforts during Alabama’s 31-14 victory over Notre Dame.

In 2019, Surtain II registered 42 tackles, two picks and eight pass breakups in 12 contests during his sophomore campaign. As a freshman in 2018, the Florida native racked up 37 tackles, an interception and seven passes defensed in 15 matchups for the “Tide”.

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Unfortunately, early projections have Surtain II being off of the board early on in the draft’s opening round. The Cards currently possess the 16th-overall selection, and may have to move up in order to have a shot at landing the highly-coveted defensive back. General manager Steve Keim could be forced to work out some sort of deal to make it happen, but Surtain II could be well worth the trouble in the long run.

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