The Denver Broncos used their first-round pick in April’s draft to select Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the son of former NFL cornerback Patrick Surtain Sr.
Surtain’s background helped mold him into an elite cornerback prospect.
“He came in here with a great foundation,” Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said on June 16. “He comes from a great family, lineage with his father, excellent parents. Then he goes to Alabama and plays the whole time there, starts every game at a high level, against top players in practice. He’s been exposed to very good coaching in college.
“Then you come in here, and he’s a guy that’s very calm, reserved — I wouldn’t say reserved, but he’s respectful of others. And he’s just a very hard-working, serious player. So he has everything that can point to success, and not to mention he’s a heck of an athlete. He’s fitting in great with our guys, and he’ll work to get a strong role.”
Surtain will compete for playing time right away in Denver’s crowded secondary, and he has already impressed the team’s veterans.
“One thing I’ve noticed aside from his physical height, arms and the way can run and make a play on the ball — he’s a special talent — but one thing I’ve noticed is he’s smart,” cornerback Ronald Darby said on June 16.
“He picks up on everything very fast. With him, you can just tell him something once and he’s going to get it right away. He’s really smart. He’s a really smart player as well.”
With his talent and smarts, Surtain should make an instant impact.
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