With The First Pick
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Cowboys: Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II the best option at pick 10

By Jelani Goodridge-Reid

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide kneels before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 01: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide kneels before the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at AT&T Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 31-14. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys target Patrick Surtain II. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

The Dallas Cowboys have the 10th pick in this year’s draft as a result of their 6-10 campaign in 2020. A major reason why the Cowboys couldn’t win their historically below-average division was due to the problems on the defensive side of the ball.  Dallas struggled on all three phases of the defense through the inability to rush the passer, lack of filling gaps on running plays, average speed from the linebacker spot, and evidently, a poor passing defense overall.

The 2020 Cowboys didn’t only prove to be one of the worst defenses in Cowboys history, but in NFL history in general. When it comes to where Jerry and the Jones family should be looking to improve most, is the secondary.

How can Cowboys improve defense in 2021 NFL Draft?

America’s Team’s defense ranked in around the basement of the league in total opponent yards per game, opponent passing touchdowns per game, and opponent points per game. In order to be the playoff team, they aspire to be next season, improving their defense is the highest priority. This necessity can be highlighted in the 2021 NFL Draft with a selection of another Alabama cornerback in Patrick Surtain II.

Surtain II,  at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, was the focal point in the Alabama secondary during their recent championship campaign. Coming out of high school, he was considered a top cornerback in the country and his game has only trended upwards during his time with the Crimson Tide. He’s widely considered the best defensive back available and is highly likely to be the first defensive player off the board.

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