Denver Broncos: CB Pat Surtain II dazzles in starting debut

Another rookie rose to the occasion in his first start when the Denver Broncos played the Jacksonville Jaguars on victory Sunday.

So far the rookie draft class has played pretty well ever since they have stepped foot onto the field even dating back to the preseason for the Denver Broncos. One we knew was going to be thrust into a key opportunity at some point during the season and that was Pat Surtain II, the rookie from Alabama.

Due to a hamstring injury to Ronald Darby, the rookie cornerback got the nod for a larger role as a starter and rose to the occasion. If this is the kind of performance the Denver Broncos get from Surtain going forward, then the secondary will be elite of the elite.

Coming into the draft, Surtain was well regarded as the top at the position next to South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn. As the breakdowns were being ushered in constantly during the draft season it was apparent Surtain is a playmaker. The Denver Broncos drafted a player who they felt was a top-five player in the draft and primed for success in his first NFL season.

Next man mentality has thrust Surtain into a starting role against the Jacksonville Jaguars where he would face a familiar foe at quarterback and one he knows well through the NCAA playoffs: Trevor Lawrence. The rookie on Sunday did not disappoint.

The draft analysis of Surtain is through the roof. His measurements were rare for a player of his size. There are not many cornerbacks 6-foot-3 and 205 to 210 pounds. Surtain is built like current Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons and with roughly the same playmaking ability. That playmaking and athleticism were on display Sunday.

In a weekend where we saw a ridiculous interception in college football and rookie cornerbacks not disappointing in week two of the season, Surtain did not disappoint. Lawrence in the beginning part of the fourth quarter down 20-7 decided to challenge the rookie on a deep pass to the sidelines and in the red zone.

Surtain made a play that a wide receiver could make corralling a throw and keeping both feet down for his first career interception that counts. He did have a pick-six in the preseason.

It was impressive for Surtain to accomplish what he did on Sunday. What seemed throughout the first half the Jaguars were challenging the rookie, Surtain showed resolve to work through some mistakes and rise up in one of the biggest moments of the game. Those are the types of plays as a young player that can help mold him down the line. It allows head coach Vic Fangio to truly mix and match once Ronald Darby is fully healthy.

Denver has been regarded as an embarrassment of riches in the secondary. Surtain’s playmaking on display vs. Jacksonville will only help get him comfortable for whatever responsibility Fangio asks of him.

There’s been speculation Surtain could be a “tight end buster” during the season and in a division with Darren Waller, Travis Kelce, and Jared Cook. Surtain’s height and freakishly gifted ability to play anywhere on defense gives Denver that option.

The other could make Surtain feel comfortable like he was back in college. At Alabama they have a position called “STAR.” It’s for a player who could be a nickel defensive back but float around the formation. One that is played by either a cornerback or safety, typically. Surtain played this position for a bit and did it quite well.

If Fangio plays a lot of dime packages it could allow Surtain to slide right in the spot he’s comfortable. A cornerback on a tight end is also not new. Back when Wade Phillips was defensive coordinator Aqib Talib was used to neutralize the tight ends. Notably a guy like Rob Gronkowski. Due to Surtain’s height he can slide into that role.

It is important to understand with the interception on Sunday can come higher expectations from fans. People should still realize he is a rookie. Therefore expecting him to play at All-Pro or Pro Bowl level is asking for too much. Fans must understand there will be growing pains still in a young season. One thing still going for Surtain is the multiple soundboards with the Denver Broncos.

From head coach Fangio, defensive coordinator Ed Donatell, defensive backs coach Christian Parker and father Patrick Surtain it can help Surtain II transition nicely week to week.

Speaking of Surtain’s father it is an impressive feat that Surtain II had an interception in week two of his rookie season when his father accomplished the same in his rookie year. Surtain is primed for a stellar if everything is clicking well for him earlier in his career. Right now Surtain is clicking on all cylinders.

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It will be interesting to see if Surtain II has an encore in store for week three when Denver plays the New York Jets.