Denver Broncos general manager George Paton drafted Pat Surtain with the ninth overall pick in last year’s NFL draft, even though the football cognoscenti weren’t sold on incumbent starter Drew Lock and vet bridge option Teddy Bridgewater at the time.
A year later, Surtain proved Paton right. But what really boosted Paton’s decision to pass on Justin Fields and Mac Jones is the acquisition of Russell Wilson this offseason. That said, Surtain put up one of the greatest rookie seasons by a cornerback, quieting detractors.
A Pro Bowl alternate last year, Surtain, totaled four interceptions and 14 pass breakups as a rookie. Like with Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory teaming up on the edge, the sky’s the limit for Surtain in Year 2.
“[I] know the schemes and what to expect,” Surtain said Tuesday. “[I’m] just getting more comfortable. The first year, I was getting my feet wet a little bit, but now I can see myself growing each and every day.”
Surtain added, “I just want to build on consistency, technique, fundamentals and those sorts of things.”
Surtain just celebrated his 22nd birthday last week. Another Pro Bowl selection, with potentially an All-Pro nod, seems like a great gift to self for the cornerback — and Broncos Country.
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