ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the top players at each position in the NFL ahead of the 2024 season.
More than half of the league personnel surveyed listed Denver Broncos star Pat Surtain as the No. 1 cornerback in the NFL, which ended up being his overall rank.
“Complete corner that can play in any coverage and has size, instincts, ball skills and will tackle,” an unnamed personnel director told ESPN. “I like the corners that can do it all.”
Surtain had a down year in 2023 by his standards, but he’s still considered the best cornerback in the game.
“He did not have the best year,” one NFL coordinator told ESPN. “But he’s still the best pure talent, he moves the best, and you can do the most with him as far as coverage, so if I’m starting a team, I’m probably picking him.”
Elsewhere in the ESPN rankings, guard Quinn Meinerz, left tackle Garett Bolles and wide receiver Courtland Sutton got honorable mentions at their respective positions. Free agent safety Justin Simmons and ex-Denver center Lloyd Cushenberry were also named honorable mentions.
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