2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

10 of 33

Patrick Surtain II (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Denver Broncos pick Patrick Surtain II, compares to Richard “Night Train” Lane

The secondary of the Denver Broncos just got a whole lot better. With the sort of dominant defenses Nick Saban has trudged out on the field every season, cornerback Patrick Surtain II might be the very best. He defended at least seven passes a year, grabbed at least one interception for the Crimson Tide every year and generally shut down every big-time receiver that lined up against him.

The legend he reminds us of the most is Hall of Famer Richard “Night Train” Lane. Back when defenders were actually allowed to get physical, Lane made the lives of his opponents a living hell. His interception totals may dwarf that of Surtain, but they played a similar game.

Much like Lane, Surtain stays on top of receivers. If it’s a physical game they want to play, he has no problem doing so. How about finesse? Not a problem. With Surtain receiving the highest Pro Football Focus grade amongst this enormous crop of defenders, it only makes sense that he draws comparisons to Lane. At the next level, he won’t have the opportunity to rack up the interceptions the way Lane did as opposing QBs will quickly learn to avoid his side of the field altogether.

With that said, he’ll very much have the same level of impact.

Home/NFL