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5 biggest surprises for the Denver Broncos during 2021 season

By Lou Scataglia

Cornerback Patrick Surtain, Jr. #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts to a play in the Denver Broncos vs New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium on September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
Cornerback Patrick Surtain, Jr. #2 of the Denver Broncos reacts to a play in the Denver Broncos vs New York Giants game at MetLife Stadium on September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs crosses the goal line for a touchdown as Kyle Fuller #23 and Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos defend during the first quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Even though the Denver Broncos disappointed in 2021, they still had promising play from many we expected, and perhaps some we didn’t.

The Denver Broncos’ 2021 season was up and down.  After a three-game winning streak, the team won just four games the rest of the season. Even though they weren’t very good, there were still some players who surprised us, both in good and bad ways.

Some of the positive surprised all but cemented their status for 2022 and beyond, and they were mostly young guys, which is fantastic.

So, let’s take a look at the biggest surprises for the Denver Broncos in 2021

Denver Broncos Biggest Surprises in 2021

1. Patrick Surtain II, CB

It was a shock when the Broncos selected Patrick Surtain II in the 2021 NFL Draft.  Many thought Justin Fields should have been the pick, but Surtain is proving those people wrong.

Surtain was stellar in 2021, locking down the outside of the Broncos’ defense.  He should have been a Pro Bowler instead of an alternative, but doing so in his rookie season is still impressive.

Surtain was the anchor of the league’s best secondary, and it isn’t crazy to think he’s among the best 10 cornerbacks in the NFL.

He had a solid 66.1 PFF grade and notched 4 interceptions, one of the league’s top marks.

Look for Surtain to be even better in 2022, perhaps flirting with an All-Pro nod.

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