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Grading the Denver Broncos’ entire 2021 rookie class

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 28: Lnside linebacker Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a play during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 28: Lnside linebacker Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a play during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after getting an interception in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field At Mile High on November 28, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

First-round: Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama

Many fans were surprised when the Broncos called out the name of Patrick Surtain with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, particularly with Justin Fields sitting right there.

I have made it no secret that I felt the team should have drafted Micah Parsons out of Penn State (and still feel that way) but it’s hard to argue with the way Surtain played. In addition, having a shut-down cornerback can be a key ingredient for any defense and it is possible that the Broncos have that here.

Surtain had 58 tackles and four interceptions as a rookie, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also led the team with 14 pass breakups. In year two, he should be a focal point of the defense with the chance to prove himself as even better than some may think.

Surtain was the guy that Paton wanted with the No. 9 overall pick and while it can be debated that the pick should have been used on a different player, there is no way to knock him for this pick, which was another high mark on the report card.

Grade: A

Overall grade

As you can see, Paton knocked it out of the park with this draft class and as a result, the team should reap the rewards for years to come. Any time you have four players in one draft class that can be considered as an ‘A’ on the report card, you did well for yourself.

That should bring much encouragement to Broncos Country as Paton prepares for his second draft in the general manager’s chair.

Overall grade: A-

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