Horse Tracks: Patrick Surtain II ranked #13 on CBS Sports’ Top 25 NFL players 25 and under list

The Broncos’ Pro-Bowl corner is the only member of the franchise to make the list.

Good morning, Broncos Country.

The Denver Broncos have been in the midst of a major roster overhaul for several seasons. One of the best ways to retool that is through the NFL Draft. Unfortunately, that is an area the Broncos have struggled in for quite some time. In order to be successful, the franchise needs to do better in that regard. Moreover, developing and retaining said homegrown talent is a must.

It’s a young man’s league. We have seen how important youth movements have been for several franchises hoping to transform themselves into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Houston Texans, who struck gold with C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson at the top of last year’s draft come to mind. Hopefully with stability in the coaching staff and the new additions to the front office over the past year that can be accomplished for the Broncos.

Yesterday, CBS Sports released a list of their Top 25 players in the NFL 25 and Under. Only one member of the Broncos made the squad—standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II. He was the second-ranked cornerback on the list behind New York Jets star Sauce Gardner.

Since coming into the league, Surtain II has become one of the top players at his position. In fact, some might argue he is one of the best defensive players in the entire league. In my opinion, he is certainly the best player the Broncos currently have and a focal point of the aforementioned rebuilding process.

After a great rookie campaign where he had 4 interceptions and 14 passes defended, he earned back-to-back Pro Bowl honors in 2022 and 2023 and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2022. Though his interceptions have went down, his ability to erase opposing team’s number one wide receivers can’t be taken for granted. It’s hard to imagine what Denver’s future on-the-field prospects might be without him in the mix.

Overall, I appreciate CBS Sports’ effort with their list, but definitely think Surtain II is better than Gardner as a player. I think that his overall ranking is also too low. He is definitely Top 10 in my book compared to some on the list. What do you guys think? Does PS2 deserve to be higher on the list than thirteenth overall? Where would you slate him? Let me know in the comments section.

As always—thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.

Broncos News & Tidbits

Denver Broncos Position Preview: Offensive Tackle – Lets Talk Broncos

The Denver Broncos need to protect their young franchise QB, which requires good tackle play. How do Denver’s tackles look?

Denver Broncos Position Preview: Quarterback – Lets Talk Broncos

No position changed more dramatically for the Denver Broncos this offseason than QB. Where does the room stand now though?

Broncos Mailbag: Is this drought the worst on-field stretch in franchise history?

This summer edition of the Broncos Mailbag includes questions about the worst stretches in franchise history, reasons for optimism in 2024 and Denver’s very late bye week this coming season.

Why is everyone all of a sudden so low on the 2024 Denver Broncos?

There has been virtually nothing but negativity from the NFL landscape when talking about the 2024 Denver Broncos, but it just does not make sense.

NFL News & Tidbits

2024 NFL All-Rookie Team: Projecting 14 instant-impact newcomers on defense/special teams

Which first-year NFL players will outshine the contemporaries at their respective positions? Chad Reuter projects the 2024 All-Rookie Team on defense and special teams.

Browns WR Amari Cooper doesn’t mince words: ‘I’m trying to get paid this year’

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper’s minicamp absence came down to one clear objective: He wants to get paid. In fact, Cooper admitted as much when asked to prove his speed during a recent interaction caught on camera.

Commanders’ Austin Ekeler aims to reclaim role as top fantasy running back

During an appearance on Wednesday’s edition of “The Insiders,” new Commanders RB Austin Ekeler explained why he believes Washington is an ideal place to reclaim his role as one of fantasy football’s top producers.

Colts GM Chris Ballard: Anthony Richardson (shoulder) will be full-go in training camp

Despite Anthony Richardson experiencing some shoulder fatigue during organized team activities, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the second-year quarterback should be full-go for training camp.