Cowboys: Alabama connection could be ticket to Dallas’ first-round selection

The Dallas Cowboys could keep it simple with their first-round NFL Draft pick, sticking with Alabama connections to upgrade their defense.

Who will the Cowboys end up taking with the No. 10 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft? Their options are many, including investing in an All-Alabama defense.

A new mock draft from The Athletic proposed Crimson Tide cornerback Patrick Surtain II as Dallas’ pick.

That selection would not only give the Cowboys a stellar cornerback for their secondary, but a familiar face to pair with last year’s draft pick out of Alabama.

Surtain would certainly love the idea of reuniting with Trevon Diggs.

If life in the NFL were like “another day here at Alabama” for the cornerbacks, it would bode incredibly well for the Cowboys.

Trevon Diggs and Patrick Surtain II were a formidable pair in Alabama

Diggs and Surtain played together for Alabama in 2018 and 2019, winning the national title in that first year together. In 2019, Digs had three interceptions, including a touchdown return. Surtain had two picks.

The Cowboys picked up Diggs in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He started 11 games in 2020 with three interceptions, 14 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a sack. Unfortunately, his impressive rookie season was cut short by a broken bone in his foot.

Meanwhile, Surtain went on to win another national title with the Crimson Tide. He broke up 12 passes to lead the team.

With Diggs back healthy and Surtain putting his talent to good use, Dallas wouldn’t have to worry about cornerback in 2021.

The only question is whether Jerry Jones and company would rather give Dak Prescott a new target by drafting an offensive star like Kyle Pitts out of Florida. Alternatively, someone before the Cowboys could take Surtain off the board before Dallas even has a chance.