‘He has everything you want’
Broncos cornerback Surtain II primed to take step into elite company
General manager George Paton’s second-floor office at the Broncos’ facility features multiple television and computer screens he uses to call up video from a just-completed practice.
Throughout August, Paton would watch the offensive line, the back-of-the-roster receivers and, of course, quarterback Russell Wilson. He didn’t use many minutes breaking down cornerback Pat Surtain II’S morning of work.
“It’s kind of like his college tape — nobody throws at him,” Paton said. “He makes it look easy. I joke that it’s boring, but when they do throw at him, it’s pretty cool.”
Year 2 of PS2 could be pretty cool.
Surtain, who was Paton’s first Broncos draft pick (No. 9 in 2021), debuted with four interceptions, 14 total pass break-ups and only two penalties. The next step could be eye-popping.
“When you have a guy like him and he’s handling everything the right way, he changes our secondary,” defensive backs coach Christian Parker said. “The mental part of the game is slowing down for him and the physical part is becoming second nature.”
Surtain, 22, could be a fascinating watch for Broncos fans … if opponents challenge him. It could be an opportunity to see Surtain ascend to elite status … if he gets enough play-making chances. And it could be the start of a decade of shut-down corner play … if the Broncos are able to play with more second-half leads. Surtain wants the action. “(Not getting targeted) is a compliment, but also, it’s like, ‘Dang, my stat sheet isn’t going to be up there (with the other top corners),’” he said. “Obviously, you’re doing something good
(when not challenged). You always have to be engaged. You can’t take a play off because that’s when they get you.”
The track record of top10 cornerbacks is underwhelming, to be kind, and disastrous to be blunt.
From 2012-20, nine cornerbacks were drafted in the top 10. Only three can be considered “hits” — Buffalo’s Stephon Gilmore in 2012 (No. 10), Jacksonville’s Jalen Ramsey in ‘16 (No. 5) and Cleveland’s Denzel Ward in ’18 (No. 5).
Gilmore had one interception as a rookie and two in his second year. He left the Bills via free agency for New England, where he was a two-time first-team All-pro.
Ramsey increased his rookie-year-to-second-year production from two to four interceptions and was named first-team All-pro in ’17. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 amid a contract squabble.
Ward had three and two interceptions in his first two NFL seasons and signed a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension in April.
The rest didn’t pan out. Morris Claiborne (No. 6 to Dallas in 2012) played for three teams.
Dee Milliner (No. 9 to the New York Jets in ’13) played only nine career games because of injuries.
Justin Gilbert (No. 8 to Cleveland in ’14) was traded to Pittsburgh before his third season and one career interception.
Eli Apple (No. 10 to the Giants in 16) has five interceptions in 73 games and is on his fourth team.
And in 2020, Detroit drafted Jeff Okudah third overall (one interception in two years) and Jacksonville selected C.J. Henderson at No. 9 (he was traded to Carolina early in his second season).
The expectation for Surtain should be Ramsey-like if the Broncos want to use him as a matchup-centric chess piece.
“That’s what this game is all about — you’re trying to find matchups,” defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said.
“You want your best players having a heavyduty role covering their best players and things of that nature. He’s one of our better players and we’re always going to try to feature him in the best way.”
Entering last season, Surtain was the No. 3 cornerback and projected as a move-around player, fast enough to cover the outside receiver, but also physical and technically savvy enough to work against slot receivers and tight ends. That plan, though, was nixed late in Week 1 when Ronald Darby sustained a hamstring injury.
Darby is back and the Broncos signed K’waun Williams to replace Bryce Callahan as the nickel, allowing for the question of how Surtain can be unleashed.
“It’s up for grabs,” Paton said. “It obviously gives us flexibility. He can play anywhere on the field — inside, right, left, wherever — if they intend to use him like that.”
Entering the season opener Monday night at Seattle, the anticipation from those outside the organization about Surtain’s second year is matched by those inside.
“I’m always excited to come here and see what step he’ll take next,” safety Kareem Jackson said. “He never disappoints with that.”
Said Paton: “Pat has everything you want (physically). Most importantly, he has the mind and he has the drive.”