Broncos top pick Surtain makes bold claim about defense
Apr 29, 2021, 8:54 PM
Just moments after being drafted at No. 9 overall by the Broncos on Thursday night, cornerback Patrick Surtain II made a bold prediction about Denver’s defense in 2021.
“I mean, this is a very stacked defense. I can’t wait to compete with those guys at a high level each and every day. I’m just very excited,” Surtain said. “I think when you look at it, when it’s all said and done, we’re going to be the No. 1 defense in the NFL.”
And despite being a rookie among a crew of defensive backs featuring Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, Surtain said he expects he can make an impact on day one for the Broncos.
“I think I can have a tremendous impact, just with my experience and knowledge of the game, my high IQ,” Surtain said. “I think I can get in the playbook and learn it immediate and just make an impact on the field.”
Surtain said he looks forward to soaking up the knowledge from those veterans in the cornerbacks room, saying he could “benefit a lot learning from those guys.”
“(They are) very experienced guys in the NFL,” Surtain said. “Just picking their brain, learning from them each and every day, I think it will be a benefit for me.”
But learning from those who played before him isn’t something new for Surtain, whose father, Patrick, played more than a decade in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
“I learned a lot from him. Of course, he was a 12-year pro, so just gaining his insight on things, getting his perspective on things, I think it helped me a lot on the field,” Surtain said. “And I feel like his game translated a lot to my game. Just learning from him, him teaching me different techniques, it definitely helped shape me up for the next level.”
But despite a friendly family rivalry with his father, Surtain said he knows he has a lot to learn and a way to go before he reaches those heights.
“I don’t try to be too cocky about it because he did his thing. So, I’ve still got to reach him,” Surtain said. “I’ve got to still reach that steppingstone. But, you know, it’s just a start for me. This is a whole new journey, but I’m just excited to start and compete.”
