Denver Broncos latest Pat Surtain recognition a sign of things to come
Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain was named a top-10 cornerback by ESPN.
The Denver Broncos selected cornerback Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was the team’s top defensive player on the board. They got their guy.
Surtain started 15 games as a rookie, intercepting four passes while taking one for a touchdown. He had an incredible 14 pass breakups as a rookie.
While tackling is not something teams want a cornerback to have to do, Surtain recorded 58 total tackles.
Surtain is already making his name known this early in his NFL career. He has been named as a top-10 cornerback in the entire NFL, coming in at No. 7.
The entire list is as follows:
1) Jalen Ramsey, Los Angeles Rams
2) Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
3) Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers,
4) Xavien Howard, Miami Dolphins
5) JC Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
6) Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns
7) Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
8) Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens
9) AJ Terrell, Atlanta FAlcons
10) Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys
Getting this recognition is great for Surtain. The Denver Broncos have regularly been ignored when it comes to praise for their players. That is likely due to the team’s lack of success since winning Super Bowl 50.
It is going to be interesting how new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero uses Surtain. I am sure he will mix in some zone with the man-to-man coverages, but I’m more interested in which receivers the defensive coordinator matches Surtain up with.
The AFC West no longer has speedy Tyreek Hill, which is some of the best news the Broncos, Chargers, and Raiders could ask for. The Chiefs still have a speedster at wideout in Mecole Hardman, however.
The Raiders brought in one of if not the best wide receivers in all of football in Davante Adams in a trade with the Green Bay Packers. The Chargers have some tall wideouts in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Every single one of these wide receivers is going to be a problem week in and week out. While the Broncos could use more ammo at cornerback to counter these playmakers, having a cornerback who is considered a top-10 player at his position is incredible.
He will only get better, and that will start in training camp against his new quarterback.