(Photo: 9News)
9. Patrick Surtain II– The Alabama Crimson Tide will always find a way to put talent into the next level and so many big names have played for this blue blood in Tuscaloosa. This next player I’m about to break down was a key piece for Nick Saban in 2020-21 when the Tide won their most recent title. Each year in college, he climbed the ladder and got better and in 2021, he falls into the laps of the Denver Broncos at number nine in the NFL Draft that year. The second of four guys is making his debut right now. Patrick Surtain II checks in at the ninth-spot and enters the year as my second-ranked defensive player. Speaking of him makes me feel old because I remember when his dad played all those years ago primarily with the Miami Dolphins.
Standing tall at 6’2, you immediately notice he’s a bigger corner and for a guy that is bigger and taller than the average Cornerback, he displays great patience while playing the position. Patrick is good at press coverage, zone, can shy away from the receiver and plays with that same consistency in all I just mentioned. I don’t think he has any weaknesses that I’ve seen in his game. I admire his mentality as he won’t shy away from any receiver and the man who’s earned the nickname “PS2” has become the premiere shut down corner in the league as he will shut down an entire side of the field along with forcing Quarterbacks not to throw in his direction because he will make you pay for it. When he’s at the line, Patrick waits to see what a receiver will do first, then he runs with him step for step in the route. He’s excellent with his hands and feet at the line of scrimmage and that’s what makes him such a tough cover for any receiver lined up against him. Patrick has great technique and can line up anywhere on the field. I respect the corners that want the number one receiver on the opposition and that’s him each season. Patrick can also tackle in the open field and to be so young, he is excellent when it comes to reading the play before attacking which is something you see from veteran players who grow at their position over the years and I can tell this is something he’s learned and picked up from his dad. He’s a human shadow that will blanket a receiver.
More people are starting to notice him more and 2024 was his best season of his young career as he was named Defensive Player of the Year becoming just the second Bronco to win the award in franchise history with Hall of Fame Randy Gradishar being the first. In a game against the Raiders last season, Patrick recorded two interceptions, including a 100-yard pick six. Tyreek Hill has stated Patrick was one of the toughest corners he’s faced and former Bronco and Hall of Famer Champ Bailey has spoken very highly of the young Corner stating he is a “pro’s pro” and is currently on a Hall of Fame path. That’s some high praise from an all-time great.
