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Denver Broncos: Preseason award predictions

By Chandler Hyler

Sep 14, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) runs the ball on a catch in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III (25) runs the ball on a catch in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defensive Rookie of the Year

With their first selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos shocked some by selecting cornerback, and not a quarterback. Patrick Surtain II was selected ninth overall and was the second cornerback selected in this draft.

Surtain II was a highly coveted prospect, in such that the New Orleans Saints were attempting to swap picks with the Denver Broncos just to take the former Alabama product. This draft class had many defensive players selected, Baron Browning, Caden Sterns, Jamar Johnson, Kary Vincent Jr., Jonathon Cooper and Marquiss Spencer.

Budding and second generational star, Patrick Surtain II has quite the completion for this individual award, but I think Surtain II is about as ready as a rookie can be. HE has been raved upon the coaching staff all season, even so much that he has learned multiple roles in the secondary.

Surtain II is ready physically and mentally, the 6-foot-2, 203 pound cornerback is ready to press coming into the league, His size stands out immediately, as well as his length. His pick-six against the Minnesota Vikings in his preseason debut did not derail the hype train, if anything, it put it into overdrive.

This fan base and even national media has become confident in Surtain II, if they weren’t already before. In a secondary that has talent circling around him, Surtain II will be the beneficiary of learning from Justin Simmons, Kyle Fuller, Ronald Darby, Bryce Callahan, and Kareem Jackson. Heck, I bet he could call up former Denver Bronco and Hall of Famer, Champ Bailey, to ask for some advice.

His pedigree is as strong as his physical and mental build, this kid has all the tools to be everything the Denver Broncos hope and dream for. His rookie season will be a telling start. Matching up with tight ends and officially becoming the “tight endER” will be vital to the team’s success this season and beyond.

For Patrick Surtain II to become the team’s defensive rookie of the year, he must simply not be overly talked about, in a negative way. Cornerbacks can reap a lot of negative attention, for they can be left on an island at times. I hope to see Patrick Surtain II to hold tight ends like Mark Andrews to a minimal impact, take the ball away a few times, and be strong in run support.

All of these are things that I do believe will happen, leading him to become the Denver Broncos’ defensive rookie of the year.

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