The time has come and it is draft week. The 2021 NFL Draft is just days away at this point and outside of the first couple of picks, so much is up in the air. The Cowboys will have an opportunity to get one of the best players in the draft, but depending on how the draft falls, there’s no telling which position and which player will be the Cowboys pick at 10.
The whispers in the wind have linked several players to the Cowboys, but let’s see who those who cover the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL Draft think will be the Cowboys first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
We did this exercise last year with fewer prognosticators, and two were able to pull off the pick at 17 for the Dallas Cowboys. DallasCowboys.com’s Kyle Youmans and Kat Pressley, former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. Both had the Cowboys picking a wide receiver at 17.
In this year’s edition we have nearly 40 writers, podcasters, YouTubers, and former analysts here to give you their thoughts on what the Dallas Cowboys will do with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Enjoy!!!
Alabama Vs Arkansas
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Ari Temkin
“Because, if we learned anything from last year’s draft, the Cowboys are willing to go best player available and not draft on positional need. They have 10 picks for which to improve their defense, continue to go all in on the best offensive player in the draft. Gallup is up after this year and Cooper is expensive with an out after next season. The Cowboys will then have a true X in CeeDee and a playmaker they can line up all over the formation in Waddle locked up on cost control deals through Dak’s prime. Why TF not?”
Dallas Cowboys postgame show on 105.3 FM The Fan and on the Cowboys Beat Podcast.
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
John Owning
“While I’d personally prefer Patrick Surtain II, I believe the Dallas Cowboys will opt for Jaycee Horn. He’s an elite man coverage talent who could help lead a culture change in Dallas’ secondary under Dan Quinn.”
Sports Day at the Dallas Morning News
Kevin Gray, Jr.
“I believe the Cowboys will select South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn even though I believe Patrick Surtain II is the best cornerback available and should be the pick for the Cowboys. Horn’s upside and Quinn’s connection to the player through Will Muschamp may be too good for Quinn and the Cowboys to pass up.”
Host on 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas-Fort Worth
Tyler McComas
“This team needs defense badly. But you already knew that. What you may not know if that the Cowboys are going to have every single defensive player on the board at No. 10. So it’s real simple, who’s the highest defensive player on your draft board? There’s zero excuses if the Cowboys take an offensive player here. ZERO. Patrick Surtain is the safest pick in this spot, but Jaycee Horn is the best. The Cowboys make the smart play and pick Horn at 10.”
Host of The Rush Hour on 1400 Sports Talk in Norman, OK
Shane Carter
“Horn is the best man-to-man coverage corner in this years draft but has also shown the ability to succeed in zone as well. With the size (6’0.75”, 205 pounds) and speed (4.39 40) that Dan Quinn loves, plus his rangy coverage skills, he’s got the potential to be the most successful defensive back with his elite versatility.”
Contributor for InsideTheStar.com
Mike White @NotToBeTrite
“Far as (Jaycee) Horn is concerned McCarthy coached Joe Horn for years and they’re still really close. (Cowboys Defensive Coordinator) Dan Quinn and former South Carolina Head Coach Will Muschamp go way back. That relationships combined with the aggressiveness and attitude he brings to the field will be the tie breaker.
Roy White III
“Jaycee Horn, CB, USC – Moreso than any other position, they need a #1 corner, and he fits the bill. His physicality will help him and hurt him at the next level, but if he can find the right balance, his skillset will shine through. I expect Surtain to be gone by the time the Cowboys pick at 10.”
Tom Downey
“I think it’ll come down to 2 players: Jaycee Horn or Patrick Surtain. I’d bet lots of money at least one of those guys is on the board at #10 (and Kyle Pitts will be long gone). I think there’s some split views on which corner is better within the org, but maybe they won’t even have to make that decision. I’ve gone back and forth on which one will be the pick, but I’ll guess Jaycee Horn. Won’t be upset either way. “
Adithya Prabakaran
“Even though the team’s social media account teased us a video of Kyle Pitts, I’d bet good money he lands in Miami with the 6th pick. If such events follow, the team likely sees both top cornerbacks on the board. Looking at Dan Quinn’s track record of selecting CBs, he seems to value guys who played a lot of man coverage in college. Horn’s proficiency in press man, in addition to press and off zone, leave me thinking Quinn will act on precedent and select the Gamecock.”
Writer for SportDFW.com
Dan Ruppert
“I think Kyle Pitts will be gone and after talking to Pitts the Cowboys will use that to break the “tie” between Jaycee Horn and Patrick Surtain. Horn gives them something at corner they haven’t had in a while in physicality. Add in the connection of the staff to Joe Horn, just feels like the move.”
Writer for SportDFW.com
J. Tuck
“The cowboys will take Jaycee horn his upside and potential feels a void the cowboys have at cornerback.”
Host of the Cowboys Fans Only Show
LP Cruz
“It just makes all too much sense. Dallas needs to revamp their secondary and despite my overtures for taking the best player available, Horn fits exactly what Dan Quinn is looking for: A physical, lengthy corner with a competitive edge to pair with Trevon Diggs.”
Big Game James
“Trade up or trade down whatever. I want CB Jaycee Horn, before I ever watched him because they said his Dad was Joe Horn. I watched his Pops, he was a dawg. He has the measurables of course, 6’1 205 4.4 speed, but it is his competitive nature and aggressiveness to which he plays that I love. He dosen’t care who you are and what you have done, all he knows is you are about to get the Business, kinda like myself. Dallas needs more players like him.”
Host of the Big Game James Show
Team Trade Back
Laurie Horesh – Greg Newsome, Cornerback, Northwestern
“Surtain and Horn, Horn and Surtain, there’s nothing between them… until QB5 slips to #10 and the war room phone rings. With Surtain off the board already, the Jones Trading Co. revels in the idea of controlling the final first round quarterback’s destination. Adding significant draft capital needed to raise the talent level on defence, Dallas slides back and lands a physically gifted, smart, Cover 3-savvy prospect like Newsome to form a talent-rich outside duo with Trevon Diggs.”
NFL Analyst for ESPN Australia
Brady Tinker – Back for Caleb Farley, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
“As QBs continue to make pick 10 more valuable. They’ll get a CB they love at 15-20? Maybe there are 2 trades in there. Caleb Farley at pick 20 or 21 in trade down w Indy or Bears.”
Off With the Helmets on ESPN Radio and DFW Sports Beat
Ben Grimaldi – Back to the Bears
“The Cowboys are in an interesting spot, they can likely add a premiere talent at CB or OL with the 10th pick overall. However, Dallas could also trade back with a QB needy team, secure extra draft currency to help facilitate the defensive rebuild and still get a quality player. Think ‘Trader Jerry’ makes a move and trades out with the Chicago Bears for a king’s ransom.”
David Howman – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
“I think Dallas ultimately trades down, either because a QB is still on the board at 10 or Surtain is taken before their pick. I see them trading down with the idea of getting Horn a little bit later, but ultimately getting sniped by another CB-needy team like the Cardinals. They’ll then settle for a different defensive player like Christian Barmore or Trevon Moehrig, either of which are more than solid consolation prizes.”
Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
Kevin Turner
“Picking at 10 is way different than the past where in many years the Cowboys pick in the middle of the mess. It’s fairly easy to narrow down their wants, needs, desires, and temptations. While it’s not BOLD at this point, I think the Cowboys will get the first defensive player in the draft and on their board that will be Patrick Surtain II. Happy draft everyone!”
Bold Prediction
“Cowboys feel antsy for more night one action and combine picks 44 and 75 to jump back into the 20s.”
Ben and Skin Show on 97.1 The Eagle, The Draft Show, The About Them Cowboys Podcast, and the Kevin Turner Show Podcast
Kyle Youmans
“At this point, it’s too obvious how the top nine picks will play out. Dallas is likely to have their pick of the top defensive player on the board after a slew of quarterbacks, pass catchers, and offensive lineman litter the Top 10. It also happens to cover the number one need on the roster, which makes it a no-brainer.”
Bold Prediction
“Kyle Pitts and a top offensive tackle will be on the board at 10, and Dallas will not take either. Saying they were never all that interested in the first place.”
Host of DallasCowboys.com’s Talkin’ Cowboys and The Draft Show
Landon McCool
“It just makes too much sense, with their need meeting his value, that if Surtain is there at 10 he would be the pick. Dallas fans seem begrudgingly resigned to the idea that he will be the pick, but they should be excited about getting potentially the most pro-ready player in this draft.”
Bold Prediction
“There will be at least one completely unexpected name taken in the top 10.”
Brianna Dix
“Sure Jerry Jones is intrigued by Kyle Pitts but due to the fact that he will not be there, the Cowboys take a cornerback in the first round at pick No. 10. Dallas needs a boost in the secondary opposite Trevon Diggs and who better than his former Alabama teammate? Patrick Surtain II is the best press-man corner in this draft. He can play on the outside and on the inside in nickel. Surtain’s physicality and pattern matching will elevate Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.’s ‘Seattle’ system.”
Bold Prediction
“The first offensive player selected by the Cowboys in the draft will be an offensive tackle.”
Dallas Cowboys Reporter for D210 Sports
Mike Fisher
“The Cowboys at the 10th pick are well aware of their glaring needs on a defense than in 2020 was by many measures the poorest in franchise history. They lack premium talent across the board in the secondary and they lack talent inside up front. They are also mindful of eventually replacing Hall of Fame-level left tackle Tyron Smith, and yes, they love tight end Kyle Pitts. (Who doesn’t?) But Patrick Surtain is polished and NFL-ready, filling a need while also meriting the spot.”
Dallas Cowboys Beat Writer for SI.com and 105.3 The Fan
Zach Wolchuk
“I think Patrick Surtain ends up being the pick for the cowboys. He fits a major need and I believe he’s the best cornerback prospect in the draft.”
Bold Prediction
“Zaven Collins goes before Micah Parsons.”
Host of The Nosebleed Seats on 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas-Fort Worth
Eric Chiofalo
“Unless Pitts or Sewell fall to 10 it’s a no brainer defense pick this year for the boys. Surtain or Horn make the most sense and my guess is they go with the safer pick and that is Patrick Surtain II.”
Host of The Nosebleed Seats on 105.3 FM The Fan in Dallas-Fort Worth
RJ Ochoa
“At this point it is difficult to buy anyone except Patrick Surtain II as the Cowboys pick. Sometimes when all signs point to one player it can feel fishy, but this has felt predictable for a long time. Let it happen and let’s move forward with an all-Bama secondary.”
Bold Prediction
“The Cowboys will trade up at some point in the top 50 picks. They have too much capital not to. It’s not like 10 rookies are going to make this roster.”
Managing Editor for SB Nation’s Blogging The Boys and Host of The Ocho
Skywalker Steele
“If Kyle Pitts falls to 10, Jerry runs to the podium. I do believe he is fascinated by the player. But I fully believe the pick will be one of the cornerbacks. Patrick Surtain joins his former teammate as they hold down the boundary for years to come.”
Host of the Dallas Cowboys Network
Bobby Belt
“The Cowboys could go offense here, especially if Penei Sewell somehow falls, but ultimately I think the board and their needs will line up and culminate in Surtain and Diggs being reunited.”
Field Producer for NFL Network and Co-host of The Boys and Girl Podcast with Jane Slater
Saad Yousuf
“I’m gonna roll with the popular pick and say it’s Patrick Surtain at No. 10.”
Beat Writer for The Athletic DFW
Thor Nystrom
“Probably the most obvious pairing of need and prospect value at any slot outside top-3. Feels like a strong possibility barring Atlanta trading down with Denver and stealing him one spot ahead of them.”
Bold Prediction
“Mac Jones won’t be a top-10 pick. Which is a prediction that absolutely should not be bold but somehow very much is.”
NBC Sports Edge Lead College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
Tom Ryle
“I think things go the way everyone expects at 10 and they draft Surtain. But I also am looking for them to trade up from 44, maybe for Zaven Collins or Joseph Ossai.”
Bold Prediction
“I think eight quarterbacks will be taken in the first round.”
Mauricio Rodriguez
“Not an original pick, but Patrick Surtain II seems like the most likely outcome for the Cowboys. He solves one of the most pressing needs for Dallas plus he might be the best player available at that spot. Trading down sounds ideal, but I don’t believe they’ll be in a position to.”
Host of Cowboys Hoy and Primero Cowboys and writer for AtoZDallas.com
Dalton Miller
“I think the most realistic pick is Patrick Surtain. I think there’s a chance that Penei Sewell is there. If he is, they’ll draft him. But Patrick Surtain fits their most pressing need and is a really good prospect with an incredibly high floor.”
Host of Talking The Draft and writer for Pro Football Network
Mike Crum
“Surtain is a big team need and fits every mold the Cowboys have had under Will McClay for first round picks. A corner over 6-foot, and 200 pounds, with 32 inch arms, and he’s from a big time college program as well.”
Bold Prediction
“Cowboys will draft twice in the first round.”
The Cowboys Wire on USA Today and the Across the Cowboys Podcast
Tony Thompson
“The pick is Patrick Surtain II. He’s been the most likely candidate since January and the Cowboys can’t afford to pass up a player with his kind of pedigree: a three-year, full time starter on a Nick Saban defense at a position the Cowboys sorely need.”
Writer for The Cowboys Wire on USA Today
AJ Schulte
“I know it’s not flashy or original, but barring a trade down or a surprising pick ahead of the Cowboys, it’s hard not to see them taking Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II at 10. With all of the connections made between both player and team, it just clicks. It’s the perfect match of team need, scheme fit, and individual talent.”
NFL Writer and Draft Analyst for Pro Football Network
Ben Glassmire
“This is the ideal pick based on who is likely to be there when the team is on the clock and fit with new DC Dan Quinn. Surtain was a star at Alabama and is one of the smartest corners in this class. His length, athleticism, and instincts should make him and instant impact player.”
NFL Draft Analyst for The Cowboys Wire
Brice Paterik
“The Cowboys will stand pat and take Patrick Surtain with their pick, pun fully intended. Sometimes the boring answer is the right one and Surtain, like many Alabama players, is boringly good. Dallas needs secondary help desperately, so there’s no reason to overthink it, just take the best corner in the class.”
Digital Sports Producer for the Dallas Morning News
Joey Ickes
“The answer has been Patrick Surtain II since midway through the season. The fit of a rare talent, with NFL bloodlines, from an elite school, at a position of great value, and a primary position of need, is too clean for the answer to be anyone else.”
Jonah Tuls
“There has just been too much smoke about (Patrick) Surtain to the Cowboys since the start of the pre-draft process for it not to be real. I firmly believe Dallas is taking a corner at 10, and while there’s a slight chance Jaycee Horn is the surprise selection, I think Surtain is clearly the odds-on favorite.”
Tyler Jaggi
“Patrick Surtain would be a perfect Cowboys pick based on BPA and position of need, but I find it hard that the first defender won’t come off the board until the 10th pick. With Surtain off the board, I think Dallas will look to trade down and draft Zaven Collins and look to address CB at 44 or with a trade up for week 1 starter.”
Bold Prediction
“Cowboys won’t pick at 44.”
Yuma Cactus
“I’ve been on the Pat Surtain bandwagon for awhile now, but after seeing Kyle Pitts say the toughest DB he faced was Jaycee Horn (and the clip of Horn tossing Pitts) he is now my pick. And, I really want to see him in Oxnard, so much trash talk.”
Dan Rogers
“I could have locked my vote in months ago as I’ve been on the Patrick Surtain train for a while. I think the only way the Cowboys don’t pick him is if he gets snatched right before they are up. Jerry loves getting the best of something, and adding the best defensive player in this draft to a team that needs a lot of defensive help is a big win for the Boys.”
Bold Prediction
“Not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE quarterbacks will be selected within the first 10 picks of this draft.”
Dan Turner
“I know this is a boring pick, but that’s only because it makes so much sense. Plus, a ‘boring’ defensive back will be some light relief after what we were forced to watch from the Cowboys last year.”
Bold Prediction
“I have a feeling that Dallas would love to take a shot on Caleb Farley – whether that’s as a trade-back option, or a trade-up option if they don’t go CB at 10.”
Pash @TheAmir on Twitter
“This year, I’m learning to trust all the noise I’m hearing as to who Dallas selects with the 10th pick. I tried to ignore when everyone told me they loved LVE, and they went ahead and drafted LVE. Therefore, I believe they will select Patrick Surtain II and reunite the Crimson Tide secondary here in Dallas.”
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭
Well there you have it. If this were a poll, Patrick Surtain to the Dallas Cowboys with the 10th overall pick would have won the election. As I gathered the predictions early on, Surtain was winning in a runaway, but as the weekend went on, Jaycee Horn made up a ton of ground. Still, most of Cowboys Nation seems to think that the pick will be Patrick Surtain. If it isn’t him, it likely comes down to Jaycee Horn.
Anything can happen in the NFL Draft and there’s no telling who could be available for the Cowboys when they go on the clock. However, it seems like cornerback is the overwhelming favorite to be their selection in the first round.
