Two Broncos Defenders Make NFL's Top 100 Players of 2023
For the 13th season of NFL Network's Top 100 Players countdown, two Denver Broncos defenders are ranked in the top 60. Safety Justin Simmons (59th overall) and cornerback Patrick Surtain II (49th overall) represented the Broncos in a poll of current NFL players.
This marks the third consecutive year that Simmons has appeared on the list. In 2021, he was ranked 45th, and 81st in 2022.
Simmons' consistent appearance should come as no surprise. After all, he made a league-leading (tied) six interceptions and now ranks eighth in Broncos history with 27 career interceptions.
In addition, Simmons totaled 69 tackles (42 solo) and forced three fumbles, with seven pass break-ups. These numbers led to him being selected as a second-team All-Pro for the third time in his career.
Entering Year 3, Surtain's emergence in Denver cannot be overstated. However, 2023 marks his first appearance on the Top 100 Players list. In 2022, he made two interceptions, broke up 10 passes, notched 60 total tackles (46 solo), and forced a fumble.
Surtain has held his own against several of the league’s best wide receivers, such as Mike Williams and Davante Adams. Surtain's performance, combined with his statistics, earned him a Pro Bowl nod and first-team All-Pro selection.
Some fans might consider Surtain's No. 49 ranking shockingly low for a cornerback who garnered such accolades in just his second year in the NFL. But that's how his NFL peers currently view him. He still takes it as a high compliment.
“I didn’t even know," Surtain said via the team website in regards to making the list. "It’s pretty dope when your peers across the league mention you in such high regard, especially by your play style and by how you play. But I always tell myself, I have to get better… I’m looking to get higher in those rankings.”
The high regard NFL players have for Simmons and Surtain is very encouraging for a talented Broncos defense, a unit ranked among the best last year.
With all of the new additions to the Broncos' coaching staff, including the return of Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator, and the roster, the defense aims to become even better this year. And when it comes to anticipating improvement, fans may see Simmons and Surtain crack the top 25.
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