NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next
2021 NFL Draft
Sep 19, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) celebrates an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos

2021 Stats: 

  • 58 Tackles
  • 14 Pass Defenses
  • 4 Interceptions
  • 1 Defensive TD

It was back-to-back cornerbacks taken in the 2021 NFL Draft as South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn went eighth overall to the Carolina Panthers followed by Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II going to the Denver Broncos at No. 9. Surtain, the son of a former NFL defensive back was one of the most highly-touted players in the class and the Broncos were thrilled to bring him in.

Surtain appeared in 16 games as a rookie with 15 starts and was a major factor in the Denver defense. He had 58 tackles and broke up 14 passes while also recording four interceptions. He added one touchdown as well as he had a pick-six as well.

Denver has a great roster and they could be true contenders in 2022 thanks to the addition of Russell Wilson, who they added in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.

Of course, a great offense can only go so far as teams that win titles need playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Broncos have that and one of the bigger playmakers could be Surtain who should only get better the more experience he gets in the NFL.

Grade: A

Home/NFL Draft