Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, few honors carry as much weight as Defensive Player of the Year (DPOTY)—a title reserved for the league’s most dominant defensive forces, from Lawrence Taylor to Aaron Donald. For the Denver Broncos, cornerback Pat Surtain II has emerged as a clear future contender for this award, with his shutdown coverage, game-changing plays, and consistency elevating him to the ranks of the NFL’s top defensive players. Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a bold prediction; it’s a recognition of Surtain’s rare combination of size (6’2”), speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash), and football IQ—traits that have made him a nightmare for opposing wide receivers and a cornerstone of the Broncos’ top-3 defense. At just 24 years old, Surtain has already established himself as a generational talent, and as he continues to refine his craft, there’s little doubt he’ll one day hoist the DPOTY trophy.

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos begins with his rapid ascent to elite status, a journey that started the moment he was drafted by the Broncos with the 9th overall pick in 2021. Unlike many rookies who need time to adjust to the NFL, Surtain made an immediate impact: he started all 17 games in his rookie season, recording 58 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. By his second season, he had evolved into a true shutdown corner, limiting opposing receivers to just 45tch rate and earning First-Team All-Pro honors—the youngest cornerback to do so since 2017. What sets Surtain apart is his ability to excel in both man and zone coverage: he can shadow a team’s top receiver for 60+ snaps a game, or drop back into zone and read the quarterback’s eyes to make a play on the ball. “Pat has a maturity beyond his years,” Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said in 2023. “He studies film like a veteran, and he executes like one too. He’s not just good—he’s special.”

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos next dives into his 2024 season, a campaign that has solidified his DPOTY credentials. Through 10 weeks, Surtain has recorded 42 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 4 interceptions (including 2 returned for touchdowns), and a forced fumble—stats that rank him among the top 3 cornerbacks in the NFL. But his impact goes beyond numbers: Surtain has held the league’s top receivers to a combined 35tch rate this season, including limiting Tyreek Hill to just 3 receptions for 28 yards in the Broncos’ Week 6 win over the Chiefs. In that game, Surtain’s game-sealing interception of Patrick Mahomes in the final minute not only secured the win but also showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations—a key trait of DPOTY winners. What’s most impressive about Surtain’s 2024 performance is his consistency: he’s graded out as a top-5 cornerback by Pro Football Focus in every game this season, a feat no other defensive player in the league can match. For the Broncos, Surtain isn’t just a cornerback—he’s a defensive anchor who makes everyone around him better.

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos highlights his unique ability to impact the game beyond coverage, a trait that separates him from other top cornerbacks and aligns with DPOTY-winning versatility. Unlike some shutdown corners who focus solely on limiting receptions, Surtain is a playmaker who creates turnovers and scores points. His two interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2024 (a 45-yard return against the Raiders and a 38-yard return against the Chargers) have added 12 critical points to the Broncos’ total—points that have helped win close games. He’s also a force in run support, using his size and strength to tackle running backs at the line of scrimmage and prevent big gains. In the Broncos’ Week 4 win over the Patriots, Surtain made a key tackle on a 3rd-and-1 run, forcing a punt and setting up the Broncos’ offense for a touchdown drive. The Denver Broncos’ defense relies on Surtain to do more than cover receivers; they rely on him to change the game—and he’s delivered, making him a more well-rounded candidate than many of his DPOTY peers.

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos examines how he fits the historical mold of DPOTY winners, a factor that strengthens his case. While cornerbacks don’t win DPOTY as often as pass rushers or defensive tackles, those who do share key traits: dominance in their position, game-changing plays, and impact on their team’s success. Surtain checks all these boxes: he’s the most dominant cornerback in the league, he creates turnovers that swing games, and the Broncos’ defense is 10 points per game better when he’s on the field (allowing 17.8 points per game with him, compared to 27.6 in the rare snaps he’s missed). Recent DPOTY winners like Jalen Ramsey (2020) and Stephon Gilmore (2019) also followed a similar path—establishing themselves as shutdown corners early in their careers, then elevating their play to include game-changing turnovers. The Denver Broncos’ success in 2024 (8-2 record, top-3 defense) also helps Surtain’s case, as DPOTY winners almost always play for winning teams. For Surtain, the only thing missing from his DPOTY resume is time—and that’s on his side.

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos explores his long-term potential and why the Denver Broncos are building their defense around him. At 24, Surtain is just entering his prime, and there’s room for growth: he’s working with Joseph to improve his press coverage technique and his ability to read complex offensive formations, adjustments that will make him even more dominant in the coming years. The Broncos have already recognized Surtain’s value, signing him to a five-year contract extension in 2023 that makes him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. This extension isn’t just a financial commitment—it’s a statement that the Broncos view Surtain as a franchise cornerstone, someone they can build a championship defense around. Off the field, Surtain has embraced his role as a leader, mentoring young defensive backs like rookie cornerback Riley Moss and setting an example with his work ethic. The Denver Broncos’ front office believes Surtain has the potential to be one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history—and by extension, a multiple-time DPOTY winner.

Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos concludes with why 2024 could be the start of his DPOTY journey, not the peak. If the Broncos continue their winning ways and secure a playoff spot, Surtain’s profile will only grow—playoff performances often cement DPOTY cases, and Surtain has already shown he can shine in big games. Even if he doesn’t win the award in 2024, his consistency and playmaking ability ensure he’ll be a finalist for years to come. For the Broncos, Surtain’s potential as a DPOTY winner is more than just a source of pride; it’s a sign that their defense is back to its historic best, a unit that can carry the team to Super Bowl contention. Future DPOTY Pat Surtain for the Denver Broncos is, at its core, a story of excellence—a young player who has already achieved more than most, and who is just getting started. As Surtain continues to shut down receivers, create turnovers, and lead the Broncos’ defense, the NFL will soon learn what Broncos fans already know: Pat Surtain II is not just a great cornerback—he’s a future Defensive Player of the Year.