The Broncos’ defensive turnaround in the middle of the season has been greatly aided by cornerback Pat Surtain II, who has solidified his position as one of the best corners in the league. Thus, the 23-year-old Surtain had a good argument to be included as one of the feature’s first-team cornerbacks when ESPN analysts Matt Miller and Matt Bowen put together a list of the best players under the age of 24.
Surtain was a 44-man roster representative for the Broncos, and he was selected as a first-team member of the NFL All-Youngster team along with Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Bowen wrote, “Suratain is a long-framed cover corner with high-level technique and prototypical traits.” “He can make tackles on the outside and will take on receivers at all three levels of the field. Over his three professional seasons, Surtain has recorded seven interceptions and 28 pass breakups. He currently ranks in the top five at the position.”
In addition to receiving praise from the media, being named to the first team of the Pro Bowl, and being selected for the team all last season, Surtain has gained the respect of both his teammates and rival receivers in his third season. In a recent FOX Sports segment, Surtain was named the league’s best corner by Eagles All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Surtain’s reputation has been validated by his performance on the field. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Surtain held Raiders All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams to two receptions for 11 yards in their Week 1 encounter. In Week 5, during the Broncos’ game against the Jets, Surtain intercepted a pass from reigning Offensive Player of the Year Garrett Wilson in the fourth quarter, which proved to be crucial.
Surtain downplayed the achievements of the Broncos as a team during their current five-game winning streak, stating that the defense’s tenacity and toughness have most impressed him.
Following the Broncos’ 29-12 victory over Cleveland, Surtain remarked, “There were some plays that we could correct internally, but obviously we didn’t let that go to our heads.” “We simply continued to push.” It only serves to highlight our perseverance and resilience each and every week. Simply put, I’m really proud of the team and our accomplishments.”
