Clayton: Looks like the Broncos made the right call drafting Surtain

The Denver Broncos took plenty of criticism at the draft for not taking Justin Fields and selecting cornerback Pat Surtain II.

Based on what happened in the first week of training camp, the Broncos are looking good in this decision. Surtain has looked great. Some think he looks like a potential rookie of the year candidate if he can get on the field.

Remember, the Broncos are very good cornerback. They have Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller on the outside and Bryce Callahan in the slot. That’s an excellent trio.

When general manager George Paton drafted Surtain with the No. 9 pick, he basically told head coach Vic Fangio to be the one to figure out how much or how little he will play. Based on his first week of practice, Fangio has to figure out how to get him on the field a bunch.

So often general managers get criticized if they take the best player available. Surtain was the best player available. He was the first defensive player taken in the draft. For the future, you can see a bunch of Pro Bowl trips.

As for Fields, he’ll start the season on the bench for the Chicago Bears behind Andy Dalton. He still should be a good quarterback in the league.

Meanwhile, the first practices for the Broncos quarterback were interesting. Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock came out even. Lock supposedly looks better. He didn’t throw interceptions. Bridgewater struggled, particularly during the weekend. He made a few too many checkdowns and threw some interceptions.

It’s early, but it’s safe to say Surtain looks like a right decision.