The NFL players weighed in on who they see as the best of the best in the league, and based on a recent reveal, the Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain II is a respected and admired defensive presence. On Monday, Surtain's spot on the NFL Top 100 Players for 2026 was revealed at No. 10, spotlighting how others view the 26-year-old cornerback as an elite player. A two-minute video presented impactful highlights along with commentary from Surtain, as well as opponents and teammates praising his abilities.
"Each and every year my experience level and knowledge of the game grows," the four-time Pro Bowler shared at the start of the video. "Seeing things slower, seeing movements slower." That's a scary statement to consider heading into the upcoming season, which will mark Surtain's sixth in the NFL. Last season, Surtain had 37 combined tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception for a Broncos' team that ranked second in the NFL in yards allowed, allowing opponents just 278.2 per game.
More news: Ben Johnson Makes Thoughts Clear on Bears’ Preseason Loss to Bengals "Best in the [world emoji]," the Denver Broncos wrote, sharing an X message with a video clip about Patrick Surtain. In another X post, the Broncos used three emojis to announce Surtain's landing spot on the NFL Top 100: a lock, a down arrow, and a video game controller. Tight end Keenan Allen labeled Surtain one of the "top five" defenders he's faced in his NFL career, yet another statement offering high praise on his abilities.
Allen indicated that Surtain's height, long arms, and knowledge of the game make him the talented defender he is in the NFL. "You get the ultimate respect when you eliminate people and don't even hear them. It's not gonna be on the stat sheet; people might not hear about it, but I'm just doing my job, locking my side down," Surtain shared in the NFL's video.
Surtain also highlighted his interception against the Green Bay Packers as the "best" of his career thus far. In that play, Surtain stepped in front of a pass Jordan Love intended for Christian Watson. He was the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and continues to play at a very high level.
The fact he landed in the top 10 is a true testament to just how much teammates and opponents respect Surtain's skills, intensity, and presence on the football field. The Broncos will finish up their preseason this coming week, hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Friday night. To start the regular season, Denver takes on the Kansas City Chiefs in "Monday Night Football" on Sept. 14, potentially giving Surtain a shot at taking down Patrick Mahomes if he plays.
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