Broncos' Pat Surtain called best CB in league by NFL coordinator: 'It's not close'

The Denver Broncos have one of the NFL's best defenses heading into the 2026 season, and it's a unit led by Pat Surtain II, one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

But, Surtain might not just be one of the best, he might actually be the best CB in the league right now. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year was voted as such in a recent poll of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

In this poll, one NFL coordinator didn't hold back in his belief of Surtain being the best CB in the NFL. He said, "It's not close," and Surtain is even a generational player.

Pat Surtain is best CB, per one NFL coordinator

"It's not close," one seasoned NFL coordinator said, "A generational player. Watch the AFC Championship Game. He was the best player on the field by far."

Surtain is 26 years old and has plenty more great football in front of him. He's been one of the best defenders in the league for quite a while now, and is ranked as the best CB in the league in this annual ESPN poll for the second straight season.

This praise from an NFL coordinator, and one that's apparently been around the league for some time, is some incredibly high praise that's only reserved for the truly great players.

Even anonymous coaches, executives, and scouts won't say something like this so lightly. Surtain is just that impressive that he has NFL coordinators firmly planting their flag down that he's the best CB in the NFL.

MORE: Broncos’ signing of J.K. Dobbins receives criticism from ESPN analyst

This past season, despite playing 14 games and recording just one interception, and not having his best season, he still was an All-Pro (second team) and earned his fourth-straight Pro Bowl nod.

But, even in a "down" season by his standards, Surtain still allowed just a 66.2 passer rating while in coverage, easily one of the best marks in the entire league, and of his career.

He's just five seasons in, but if Surtain can keep this up for a few more years, he might be heading to the Hall of Fame shortly after he retires.

This NFL coordinator had some high praise for Surtain, and it's well-deserved. The Broncos' superstar CB has been one of the best defenders in the league, and is arguably the best CB in the NFL right now.

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