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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, CO – OCTOBER 31: Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper #53 of the Denver Broncos defends on the field during the second half against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 31: Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper #53 of the Denver Broncos defends on the field during the second half against the Washington Football Team at Empower Field at Mile High on October 31, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos surprise #4: Jonathon Cooper, EDGE

Wow.  Jonathon Cooper had a nice season for the Broncos.  Watching Cooper on film with the Broncos, you’d think he was a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but Denver managed to grab him in the 7th round.  Most 7th rounders don’t sniff an NFL roster, so Cooper being able to not only make the team but contribute, is astounding.

Cooper notched three sacks and 26 solo tackles.  He also had a solid 69.1 PFF grade.  While Cooper wasn’t elite, or even near a starting level, he was very good given the circumstances.

His draft stock took a hit, as he has a heart condition, but Cooper made the most of his chances in 2021 and carved out a nice rotational role for 2022.

I’m not sure he’ll ever get to the point of being an every-week starter, but he’ll contribute a ton of meaningful snaps for the Denver Broncos.  His insane motor and high energy are infectious and should allow him to enjoy a nice long career with the team.

Three of the first four surprises have been rookie draft picks.  George Paton’s first draft was excellent, but is our last surprise for 2021 a rookie as well?

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