2021 NFL Draft: Broncos pass on QB for Patrick Surtain II
The Denver Broncos passed on picking a quarterback to take an elite cornerback in Patrick Surtain II with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
When the Denver Broncos arrived on the clock in the 2021 NFL draft, they had plenty of options: two potential franchise quarterbacks and also Patrick Surtain II, the corner the many had ranked as the best defensive player in the draft.
With rumors swirling about the Broncos being the mix for Aaron Rodgers and also just trading for Teddy Bridgewater along with having Drew Lock, Denver passed on both Justin Fields and Mac Jones to select Surtain II.
The Broncos have a defensive head coach in Vic Fangio and it’s clear that he fell in love with the ability of Surtain II, who was an exceptional cornerback out of Alabama.
With CBs Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan on contracts that expire after the 2021 season, Denver drafts Alabama CB Patrick Surtain II at No. 9.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2021
Looking back at his career with the Crimson Tide, the 6-foot-2 corner had 24 pass breakups, as well as four interceptions and four forced fumbles.
Following the pick, Charles Davis on the NFL Network broadcast said that Surtain II was Richard Sherman, just faster, which is pretty high praise.
But for Denver fans, that’s the kind of thing you want to hear because the organization passed on the chance to potentially draft their quarterback of the future.
What does it mean for Drew Lock?
Defensive coaches have this idea that you can win with defense and solid quarterback play and to some extent, you can.
The Broncos just traded for Bridgewater, who can provide some competition for Lock, who is just entering his third year in the league. Maybe Denver wants to give Lock a chance to prove himself.
The talent of Surtain II, who looks like an All-Pro in waiting, also made that decision easier. With teams like the Chiefs in the division, the Broncos are going to have to figure a way to stop all those elite weapons and Surtain II could be the best option, making a really good defense, even better.
Yet, if Fields or Jones turn into a good quarterback down the road, the Broncos might regret this pick. The risk is lower but so is the reward.