The Second Coming - Patrick Surtain II

By: Hussam Patel

The legendary progeny of former Miami Dolphins Cornerback Patrick Surtain, Surtain II certainly has the DNA to be a long, tall, rangy corner. Ideally, his best fit is in a press man scheme, where he can use his frame and physique to bully WRs at the line of scrimmage and disrupt the route. 

Freshman Patrick Surtain II looking like his dad out there for @AlabamaFTBL. pic.twitter.com/byME7kk9Xf

— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 22, 2018

When on the LOS, Surtain uses hand jamming techniques - a quick one-or two-hand jam. When Surtain doesn't use his hands, he watches the pass catcher’s body and hip movements keenly, he's patient and doesn't bite on separation moves. 

Been waiting to see this from Patrick Surtain II. Big corner but most of the time he played with no urgency to get off blocks. Noticed it several times in the zoom film session. Blows up the play here and forces the fumble. GREAT rep.

Played nickel this entire game. (2019 Duke) pic.twitter.com/ZdCuWFBKfE

— Crocky (@eric_crocker) January 23, 2021

He has build-up speed when challenged vertically, and he can find and make a play on the ball. A reliable tackler in space, and understanding zone coverage, he's able to effectively play the run and is willing to shed blocks to let other teammates make tackles. 

#Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II is sucha patient defender. He always seems relaxed, and the moment is never too big for him. pic.twitter.com/FVGiIXObxg

— AJ Torres (@ajtorres1230) January 5, 2021

What I’ve noticed on game tape, and what is sure to pop out, is Surtain’s struggles with quick routes such as slants and 5 yard out routes. He doesn’t have the short area burst and quickness to match up with speedy slot WRs, although his frame and physicality certainly lines up against bigger WRs. 

??Kyle Pitts VS Patrick Surtain II in the SEC Title Game

11 snaps against each other
3 Targets
1 catch for 10 yards
1 pass breakup

This one right here should be a big play from Pitts if the ball is thrown better

Not even a bad play from Surtain really pic.twitter.com/JqDUjUplMY

— Jake Sirkus (@JakeSirkus) January 7, 2021

While I do not envision him being like his father, Surtain II shows some flashes of being like another Dolphins cornerback, Byron Jones.