The Denver Broncos have been preparing for the 2024 NFL draft but one of their core pieces are in the news. Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the team has decided to pick up the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain. The fifth-year option will cost $19.8 million for the 2025 season and make him a free agent after the 2025 NFL season.
He has been a force for one of the best secondaries in the NFL as the 2021 ninth-overall pick has recorded seven interceptions, 36 pass deflections and a forced fumble in his career thus far. According to Pro Football Focus, surtain had a 69.0 grade in 2023 as opposing quarterbacks had a 62.9 completion percentage with three touchdowns and one interception when targeting him.
The Denver Broncos cornerback is a former All-Pro member as well as a two-time Pro Bowler in his first three NFL seasons. With the Broncos expected to struggle this season, it will be interesting to see how they draft as they got a key piece locked in through the end of next season.
What can the Denver Broncos do on the defensive side of the ball in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Denver Broncos are in an interesting position as they are going to be needing a few pieces after their offseason moves. With the trade for Zach Wilson on Monday, head coach Sean Payton may just focus on the defense in the first round. The team has eight draft picks, including six in the first 150. Below is each pick that the team has heading into the draft.
- Round 1: 12th overall
- Round 3: 76th overall
- Round 4: 121st overall
- Round 5: 136th overall
- Round 5: 145th overall
- Round 5: 147th overall
- Round 6: 207th overall
- Round 7: 256th overall
The Broncos will likely look to improve defensively with the 12th overall pick as they can look for a second cornerback to pair with Patrick Surtain or go with the pass rush. There is also the possibility that the team decides to trade back to try and recoup a few more early-round selections.
With the departure of safety Justin Simmons, this secondary needs to get some attention this weekend during the 2024 NFL draft.
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