The Denver Broncos are a franchise in the midst of transformation, seeking answers on both sides of the ball as they look to claw their way back into contention in a competitive AFC. Amid the changes, one constant has emerged on the defensive side of the ball—an elite playmaker who is now getting the recognition he deserves. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), one Denver defender has the best chance to emerge as the top player at his position in the NFL. For a team striving to regain its championship form, this kind of praise isn’t just notable—it’s a sign that the building blocks for success are already in place.
That defender is none other than Patrick Surtain II, the Broncos’ star cornerback and former first-round draft pick out of Alabama. Known for his discipline, technique, and poise, Surtain has already built a reputation as a lockdown corner, even while playing on a team that hasn’t had much postseason relevance in recent years. PFF’s endorsement isn’t simply about raw talent—though Surtain has that in abundance—it’s about projection, consistency, and elite-level play. In labeling Surtain as the top candidate to become the very best at his position, PFF essentially placed a gold star next to Denver’s most valuable defensive asset.
Surtain’s emergence has been steady, but undeniable. Since entering the league in 2021, he has routinely drawn the assignment of covering opposing teams’ No. 1 receivers and has consistently held his own. Whether facing big-bodied threats like DK Metcalf or shifty route runners like Stefon Diggs, Surtain rarely looks overwhelmed. His calm demeanor and technical mastery have made him a cornerstone of Denver’s defensive philosophy. Despite playing in a system that has experienced turnover and challenges in recent seasons, Surtain has remained one of the few constants—a young player with the maturity of a veteran.
What makes PFF’s projection even more compelling is the methodology behind their grading system. Unlike traditional stats that may favor interceptions or tackles, PFF examines every snap, grading players based on their effectiveness in individual matchups. That means even if Surtain isn’t registering eye-popping box score numbers every week, his tape tells the story of a player who is rarely beaten, rarely out of position, and almost always in control. This level of nuance is essential in evaluating corners, as a truly elite one often goes unnoticed simply because quarterbacks avoid throwing in their direction.
It’s not just PFF that sees Surtain’s ascension. Across the league, offensive coordinators and quarterbacks alike recognize the challenge he presents. His 6-foot-2 frame, combined with fluid hips and exceptional instincts, make him a rare blend of size and finesse. Few corners can press at the line of scrimmage, drop into a deep zone, and mirror routes with equal effectiveness. But Surtain does all of that, and he does it without the bravado or flash that often accompanies stars at his position. He’s a technician—a craftsman who treats every rep as an opportunity to refine his craft.
The Broncos have had their share of legendary defenders over the years—from Champ Bailey to Von Miller—but Surtain is carving out his own place in franchise lore. If PFF’s prediction holds true and he becomes the top cornerback in the NFL, it will mark a significant milestone in the Broncos’ rebuild. Cornerbacks don’t just neutralize receivers; they change game plans. They force offenses to look elsewhere, to check down, to hesitate. A top-tier corner like Surtain can shrink the field for opposing offenses, and that effect ripples through an entire defensive unit.
Denver’s defense, despite the struggles of the team as a whole, has shown flashes of excellence in recent seasons. With Surtain anchoring the secondary, the Broncos have a foundation they can build around. Young stars are developing, and the front office’s commitment to drafting and developing defensive talent is starting to pay off. But Surtain remains the crown jewel—the one player who consistently elevates the play of those around him. His ability to lock down half the field frees up safeties and linebackers to be more aggressive, and that creates opportunities for sacks, turnovers, and momentum-changing plays.
Surtain’s best chance to ascend to the top of his position will depend not just on individual effort, but on the system around him. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has already shown a willingness to put Surtain in high-leverage situations, trusting him to take on some of the league’s toughest matchups. That trust will only grow as Surtain continues to demonstrate that he’s capable of thriving under pressure. And if Denver’s pass rush improves—giving quarterbacks less time to throw—Surtain’s life becomes even easier, allowing him to turn tight coverage into game-changing interceptions.
It’s also worth noting that Surtain’s work ethic is frequently praised by teammates and coaches alike. He’s not the type to rest on his laurels or get caught up in headlines. His preparation, film study, and commitment to improvement are all indicative of a player who understands what it takes to be the best. In a league where elite talent is often diluted by inconsistency or distractions, Surtain’s professionalism stands out. He wants to be great—not for accolades, but because he sees it as his responsibility to the team that invested in him and the fans who believe in him.
For the Broncos, having a player of Surtain’s caliber represents hope—hope that the future is brighter than the recent past. After years of quarterback uncertainty, coaching changes, and unmet expectations, Denver finally has a player who is universally respected and feared by opponents. He’s a building block in the truest sense, someone who can serve as the face of the franchise’s defensive identity moving forward. And if he does indeed become the top cornerback in the league, as PFF predicts, it will only accelerate Denver’s return to relevance.
There’s also a ripple effect to consider. When young players like Surtain succeed, it raises the standard for everyone in the building. Rookies come in and see how he prepares, how he carries himself, how he handles adversity. Veterans feed off his energy, knowing they have a reliable presence behind them. Coaches design game plans with the confidence that their No. 1 corner can handle even the most difficult assignments. It’s the kind of stability and excellence that championship teams are built on.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Surtain—not just in Denver, but across the league. With the spotlight comes pressure, but it’s a pressure he has earned through years of hard work and high-level performance. The leap from being great to being the best is not an easy one, but if anyone is poised to make it, it’s Patrick Surtain II. PFF’s projection isn’t a fluke or a headline grab—it’s the culmination of detailed analysis and careful observation. They’ve seen the tape. They’ve run the numbers. And they believe that Surtain has what it takes to separate himself from the pack.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where young stars rise and fall quickly, Surtain’s steadiness is his superpower. He doesn’t just want to be mentioned among the greats—he wants to define the standard. And if PFF’s assessment proves true, then the Denver Broncos may already have the NFL’s top cornerback patrolling their secondary. For a franchise in search of answers, that’s not just a nice headline—it’s a reason to believe again.
