Broncos Get Short Shrift in PFF's Top 101 Players of 2022

The Denver Broncos currently need to possess a better roster. While looking over the best players in the entire NFL, the Broncos probably couldn’t have more than three of four players considered one of the top 10 at their position in the league.

After finishing the last two seasons a combined 12-22, the proof is in the results: the Broncos need more talent.

However, according to Pro Football Focus’ recent ranking in the PFF 101 — highlighting the top 101 plays in the entire NFL in 2022, the Broncos had a shockingly abysmal performance, with only one single player in superstar cornerback Patrick Surtain II earning a spot on the list at 32 overall.

32. PATRICK SURTAIN II, DENVER BRONCOS

Surtain is one of the game's smoothest and most in-control cornerbacks. With Denver’s offense struggling, pressure was always on the defense to lock down opponents, and Surtain consistently excelled at that task. Only Sauce Gardner had a higher PFF coverage grade this season.

What happens next for the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Earning first-team All-Pro honors from both the NFLPA and AP at just age 22, Surtain already argues for the single best defensive back in the entire NFL, a title he should contend for annually over the next half-decade.

As Monson writes, Surtain was always under pressure due to the Broncos’ abysmal offensive showing in 2022. While Surtain was the only cornerback in the NFL to earn double first-team All-Pro honors last season, he was the second highest-rated cornerback per PFF behind New York Jets’ rookie Sauce Gardner.

Monson noted that “only Gardner had a higher PFF coverage grade this season.”

Surtain certainly earned the right to be on the PFF 101 list, based solely on the player’s play of last season. If Surtain wasn’t on the list, it would be a complete travesty, but it was surprising to see safety Justin Simmons and defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones not on the list.

With Simmons tying for a league lead in interceptions last season despite missing five games and Jones listed as one of the better pending free agents after a very solid year as a pass rusher (despite his surprisingly poor PFF Grades), both had arguments to make the list based on their play in 2022.

Unfortunately for Denver, Surtain stands alone on the list of the top 101 players from the 2022 season.

With the Kansas City Chiefs having six players named, the Las Vegas Raiders having three, and the Los Angelos Chargers having two players earning the accolade, the Broncos have some room to grow from an overall underwhelming output from the 2022 team.

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!