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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Jon Heath

Broncos coach Sean Payton praises ‘elite’ cornerback Pat Surtain

Entering his third season in the NFL, Denver Broncos coach Pat Surtain is already considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

After a practice session last week, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked what makes Surtain special.

“With Patrick, I remember his dad playing,” Payton said on June 1. “You would say his physical traits [are impressive]. He’s long and he’s built [as a] prototype for what you’re looking for in that position. He’s got great makeup, he’s tough, he’s smart and the ball finds him. He’s got good ball skills.

“With a few of these corners — it’s funny, I always love this time of the year where everything is getting ranked, and he appears on all those top corner lists. A lot of those guys are younger players, so there are certain positions that can reveal themselves quicker than others. Certainly, we’ve seen that from him. I mentioned the physical [traits], and I mentioned mental [traits]. All those things come together and then you get an elite player, and at corner, those are hard to find.”

Surtain, 23, has totaled 118 tackles, 24 pass breakups, six interceptions, one forced fumble and one defensive touchdown through his first two seasons (33 games) in the NFL. Surtain’s career is off to a great start, and he’ll only get better from here.

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