Denver Broncos' standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II has risen to become one of the best defenders in the NFL in his first four years. You could say he is the best, judging from his Defensive Player of the Year award he earned in 2024.
When a player of that stature speaks volumes about a teammate, it holds great meaning. Surtain had some powerful words to describe Jahdae Barron in OTAs this week.
The Broncos drafted Barron in the first round out of Texas in this year's NFL Draft, with the hope of him playing alongside Surtain in Denver's secondary.
"He brings a lot of versatility toward the defense. He's smart, he's savvy, he makes plays, and it's a big addition towards our team," Surtain said about Barron. "I know he's going to make plays on the team. And he's catching up fast, so it's a great addition to our team."
Barron played over 500 snaps in three different alignments in college. He played 1,133 snaps as the outside cornerback, 917 snaps as the slot corner, and 508 snaps as the box safety, according to Pro Football Focus.
PFF's Max Chadwick said Barron was the most versatile corner in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Barron had a stellar career at Texas. The defensive back had 205 total tackles in his final three years and 20 TFLs. Barron had five interceptions and 11 passes defended in his final year at Texas.
Jahdae Barron in 2024:
— PFF (@PFF) March 28, 2025
90.8 PFF grade (1st among CBs)
33.1 passer rating allowed
Most Valuable non-QB, per PFF WAA pic.twitter.com/PBur29maLq
NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein pointed out Barron's "smothering coverage" on underneath passes, his "route recognition, footwork and play strength." Barron's "instincts allow him to pounce on catch points, or tackle pass catchers immediately" when in zone coverage.
"The size and tape work in his favor as a physical nickel who can be an early contributor and future starter, with the potential to cross-train as a safety," Zierlein said.
Barron will have one of the best teachers right beside him on the field. Surtain has become the leader and face of the Broncos' defense.
The elite corner has been to three straight Pro Bowls and named an All-Pro in two of the last three years. Surtain's collected at least 10 passes defended all four years of his career, and intercepted 11 passes.
Patrick Surtain II has locked down some of the best WRs this season
— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) October 29, 2022
DK Metcalf - 6 rec, 35 yards
B. Cooks - 1 rec, 5 yards
B. Aiyuk - 5 targets, 0 rec
D. Adams - 5 rec, 55 yards
M. Pittman - 1 rec, 4 yards
M. Williams - 4 targets, 0 rec
G. Wilson - 1 rec, 12 yards pic.twitter.com/pM7OuQz7fC
Barron has a lot of upside, and with the right teammate next to him, Denver could have one of the best CB duos in the league in the near future.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!