Two Broncos Selected to ESPN's Top-100 Players List

These two Denver Broncos are poised for a big year.

 Each year, a panel of ESPN experts creates a list of the top 100 NFL players based on their performance expectations for the upcoming season. In the 2023 iteration, Denver Broncos cornerback Patricks Surtain II (34) and safety Justin Simmons (69) cracked the list. 

These rankings include a signature statistic for each player, a projected stat line, and a quote from an executive, coach, or player. Here’s ESPN’s rankings for two of Mile High’s finest. Let's examine what Jeff Legwold had to say. 

Patrick Surtain ll: 34

“Surtain has the rare combination of size, length, speed, and composure when he plays. He gives Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph plenty of options in coverage, and many DCs around the league believe having a player like Surtain at cornerback is the first building block to a great defense. -- Jeff Legwold

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Patrick Surtain is easily the Broncos’ best player going into 2023. He is a foundational player that Denver has built their defense around. 

As Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and Jeff Legwold point out, Surtain’s rare combination of size and speed is enough to set him apart, but what makes him truly special is his football intelligence. Understanding his opponent’s positioning, tendencies, and body language makes him the best corner in the league.

Surtain has faced the likes of Davante Adams and Jamar Chase and managed to limit their production significantly when in coverage. Surtain's projected stat line is on par with 2022 (ESPN projects 63 tackles and two interceptions). 

It’s hard to see Surtain snagging many interceptions because opposing quarterbacks will do everything they can to avoid his side of the field. His signature statistic should put a smile on Broncos Country’s face.

Surtain is only one of four players to pick off Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes multiple times. Being a thorn in the side of the reigning league MVP and division rival is a massive boost to a Denver team needing an edge in the AFC West. 

In Year 3, Surtain will face receivers like Justin Jefferson, DJ Moore, and Stefon Diggs. Surtain will have his fair share of opportunities to build on his already impressive NFL career.

Justin Simmons: 69

“Simmons has been a mainstay, playing 100% of the Denver defense’s snaps in four consecutive seasons. He is durable, productive, a three-time second-team All-Pro selection, and a leader in the locker room and in the community. -- Jeff Legwold

The Broncos secondary is blessed to have Simmons. A leader on and off the field, he's a player every team wants in their locker room. 

Simmons' uncanny ability to put himself in a position to make a play on the football is a big reason he is on this list. Notching 27 interceptions since 2016 is an impressive feat.

Simmons is in striking distance of claiming the top spot if he can outdo Miami Dolphins corner Xavien Howard, who has one additional interception over that span. Simmons is a game-changer, and while his takeaways pop off the screen, his ability to be a general on the gridiron sets him apart. 

Simmons has been helping lead the Broncos secondary since he took over his starting safety role in 2017. He uses his knowledge of the game to help put his teammates in the best position to succeed whistle to whistle.

ESPN predicts that Justin will only have half the interceptions that he did in 2022. However, he's yet to experience a decrease in picks from year to year, so it would be safe to assume that he could match his six interceptions from 2022.

While only two Broncos made ESPN’s list this year, Simmons and Surtain are the most deserving. Both will continue to play at a high level in 2023 and push Denver’s defense to be one of the best in the NFL. 

Hopefully, by this time next year, the Broncos will at least double the amount of selections to this top 100 list.

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