Patrick Surtain II is looking like a marvelous draft pick, after thriving as a rookie cornerback, which is something we don’t see too often.
There won’t be many to disagree with that claim, but in case you’re looking for external validation, there’s been plenty swirling around Surtain this offseason. First, Jeremy Fowler released the results of his NFL poll that found multiple high-ranking executives viewed Surtain as the best corner in all of football already, and now, the brilliant Doug Farrar has included the second-year corner in his list of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks.
“It might seem almost a bit presumptuous to place Patrick Surtain II into a list like this after just one NFL season, but his play during his rookie campaign is worthy of a selection,” Farrar wrote, ranking Surtain as the league’s 11th-best outside cornerback. “Surtain started 15 of his 16 games for the Denver Broncos last season, notching four interceptions, including a Pick-Six of his own.”
Making that stat line even more impressive is the fact that the only one he didn’t start was the season opener. Once he cracked the starting lineup, there was no way the Broncos were allowing him to exit it, and that’s a testament to Surtain’s talents.
It’s rare that you see such a young player check every conceivable box. He has all the special physical traits one would desire, a highly advanced football IQ, a renowned work ethic, no real history of injury concerns or off-the-field problems, and all the potential in the world.
Farrar chooses to highlight a handful of Surtain’s gifts that truly set him apart.
“Surtain’s awareness in coverage and ability to get to the catch point stands out among the many traits that made him a first-round selection.”
There’s a chance Surtain continues his climb, and soon is widely viewed as the very best cornerback in the sport, and Denver can’t wait to witness his ascension firsthand.
