Broncos Undrafted Rookie CB to 'Take a Lot' From Patrick Surtain II

When you think of undrafted cornerbacks playing for the Denver Broncos, Chris Harris, Jr.'s name immediately springs to mind. In addition to Harris, many an undrafted player has featured prominently for the Broncos over the years.

Indeed, to such an extent that the Mile High City has become a real destination for talent who don't hear their name called on draft day. University of Houston cornerback Art Green is one such player who slipped through the net. But thankfully, he found a silver lining in choosing his professional home in Denver.

“I thought I would get drafted but I also had the mindset of, ‘What if I don’t get drafted, where would I want to go?’’’ Green explained via Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. “I’m actually happy with the way it went. I got to pick where I wanted to go.”

Green's 6-foot-2, 200-pound DNA is reminiscent of the polished diamond the Broncos already count on to lock down opposition receivers — Patrick Surtain II. Green is a long way off from developing his game to Surtain's rarefied levels, but he will model his game on the Broncos' All-Pro cover corner.

“I can relate to him because I’m a big DB, too, and I see how he moves,’’ Green said of Surtain. “I’m going to take a lot of stuff from his bag and put it in mine and kind of put my own twist on it, and just grow as a player and ask as many questions as I can.”

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Green garnered interest elsewhere because the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and the New York Jets all made him offers, but Denver guaranteed him a contract worth $180,000, with $10,000 in upfront money, according to Tomasson.

While the contract offer from Denver swayed the 23-year-old former Cougars star, it was Green's pre-draft visit that really sold him on picking the Broncos.

“After I came back, I told my dad, ‘Denver is possibly my favorite place,’’’ he said. “It was just the whole coaching staff, the whole vibe of how they treated me. I was real comfortable talking to coach (Sean) Payton and just to see his passion... It’s just a blessing to be here. I’m excited to get to work.”

Green has speed and size. He’s got that special blend of range and length NFL coaches covet. Throw in a 40-time of 4.34 seconds, and the rookie is confident he has the raw materials to build a successful career upon.

“Just being pretty physical making plays,’’ Green said. “I feel like I’m pretty rangy and I can make plays on the ball.”

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