Denver Broncos rookie CB Pat Surtain II inks his first contract
Denver Broncos first-round pick Pat Surtain II, a cornerback out of Alabama, signed his rookie contract on Tuesday afternoon.
There was so much build-up in the past month surrounding the quarterback position and Aaron Rodgers rumors people forgot about one of the most mocked players to the Denver Broncos in Pat Surtain II. Surtain II was one of the most frequently predicted players to the Broncos very early in the 2021 NFL Draft process until Denver signed two cornerbacks (Ron Darby, Kyle Fuller) in free agency.
Once that happened the pundits and pontificators — even George Paton himself — made it seem cornerback was not necessarily a need. In actuality, it still was a need when you look deeper.
🙏🏾 Can’t wait to suit up in Orange & Blue ... Let’s get it @Broncos https://t.co/oat4br9dl7
— Patrick Surtain (@PatSurtainll) May 18, 2021
Ronald Darby signed a three-year deal and Kyle Fuller rejoins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for one season. Also, Bryce Callahan has been plagued with injuries during his career to where Denver still had to consider cornerback early in the draft.
The selection of Surtain II allows Denver flexibility in case Fuller or Callahan is not with Denver in 2022 and a potential lockdown corner for foreseeable future. Surtain II is a gifted and rare athlete at the position to where he joins a defense coached by Vic Fangio, Ed Donatell, and Christian Parker. Parker recently helped Jaire Alexander become one of the best corners in the NFL with Green Bay Packers.
Surtain II is a very gifted corner who instinctually might be one of the best defenders in this class. He also has enough athleticism to play multiple positions. Back when he was with Alabama Surtain II played the ‘Star’ position in Nick Saban’s defense. The Star position was a hybrid linebacker or nickel defensive back in college and recently has seen a rise at players performing well at these positions.
This flexibility gives Denver a chess piece to cover the likes of Darren Waller and Travis Kelce in the division. It also does not discount the possibility Surtain II is qualified to cover big-bodied wideouts in the NFL. Potential and fit with Surtain II can be crazy good for what the Denver Broncos will need with Fangio.
Denver Broncos have not a secondary this loaded since the “No Fly Zone” of 2015 days. Up and down the secondary are pieces that can be in the future plans. Denver’s depth has never been this good at that position. Surtain II ensures if Denver moves on from Fuller or Callahan that the secondary will not miss a beat.
The transition will not even be difficult for Surtain. His father Pat Surtain Sr. played the cornerback position for over 10 years in the NFL. Accountability will be at a premium for Surtain II. From Fangio, Donatell, Parker, and Surtain Sr., the Denver Broncos’ new corner will have many soundboards to help him with his development. This is not even mentioning a potential phone call with Champ Bailey to ask for advice.
Surtain II is set up immediately for success. He has the right makeup as both person and player to make his mark with Denver Broncos fan base. We cannot wait to see Surtain II interceptions on Sundays.