ESPN's Poll Reveals How NFL Truly Views Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II
During the long slog that is the NFL offseason, it's become very common to see comparisons between Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain II and Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets. After all, they were the AFC's two first-team All-Pros at cornerback last year.
When attempting to cut through the hype, perhaps the best source material for evaluating two similar and maybe even generational talents arrived on Tuesday. Over 80 NFL executives, coaches, and players weighed in via a poll compiled by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler about the cornerback position group.
The poll determined that it's Surtain, and not Gardner, who's currently viewed by the NFL as the league's No. 1 cornerback.
1. Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 10
Age: 23 | Last year's ranking: 7
One NFL executive recalls talking with draft-eligible cornerbacks about which current player they try to emulate.
"The player they say is Surtain," the exec said. "It's like a changing of the guard."
Surtain's No. 7 ranking last year might have sold him short. He has been ascending since he first stepped foot on an NFL field as a Broncos rookie in 2021.
He is already one of four NFL players to pick off quarterback Patrick Mahomes multiple times.
It’s not up for debate that both young corners are proving themselves elite in locking down their side of the field. Taking away the threat of elite receivers has become their mutual calling card.
It's Surtain's ball production that helps set him apart, as Fowler writes.
His 14.5% ball-hawk rate on 10.6 yards allowed per completion is modest, but teams also stay away from him now. His 12.5% target rate was the lowest among cornerbacks with more than 201 coverage snaps (Surtain played 533 coverage snaps).
"Complete corner: physical, technical, versatile," a high-ranking NFL official said. "He's a true matchup guy vs. the best players. Premium ability on press or off coverage. Outstanding open-field tackler. Solid ball skills. Plays with confidence. Really, really smart. And plays disciplined so he doesn't give anything away."
Neutral fans are undoubtedly being drawn to the showbiz-type circus developing over who owns coveted bragging rights between Surtain and Gardner. Due to Gardner operating in the major media market of the Big Apple, perhaps Surtain has been slightly left in the shade, but that's more based on pure PR pulling power.
But if we tune into the soundbites being provided by unnamed pollsters, Surtain is already regarded as being the more complete player. In the final analysis, one extra year’s worth of experience and vital professional seasoning might well have provided the casting vote for Surtain.
Having such live-bullet experience under his belt has seen the former Alabama star rise from No. 7 on last year’s list to the very top spot this time around. Fowler provides further context on Surtain's rise.
Surtain can play on an island, a skill set Denver utilized plenty in 2022. All corners get beat on occasion, and in Surtain's case, DJ Moore got the best of him in the Broncos' loss to the Panthers on Nov. 27. Davante Adams had two 100-yard games vs. Denver last year. But the Broncos' porous offense compromised the defense on plenty of occasions. And many evaluators consider a receiver getting the best of Surtain a rarity.
"He's separated himself, and I don't think it's close," an AFC scout said. "If you're picking a team, you're taking him first."
Putting all the fluff aside, Surtain would appear to have won over a plethora of grizzled NFL execs, players, and coaches, and how his peers and colleagues view him is what really counts. In the notoriously competitive NFL, ESPN's poll still amounts to a hill of beans until the cleats hit the grass again in September.
But it sure feels good to see Surtain get his props.
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