Las Vegas Raiders and AFC West well represented in latest PFF rankings

AFC West Top 25 Under 25 PFF Player – Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

• Key 2021 Stat: 14 pass deflections

The ninth overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft came into the league and dazzled right away. Patrick Surtain II was well-polished and had a refined game, which helped him flourish, especially in coverage. He posted notable numbers across the board. Besides the 14 pass deflections, Surtain also grabbed four interceptions and returned one for a touchdown.

Cornerback is one of the hardest positions to transition to from college. There is a myriad of reasons, including the change in pace, and the size and speed difference between NFL and NCAA wide receivers, among other notable differences. Be that as it may, you wouldn’t have known from Surtain’s play as a rookie. Looking at Pro Football Reference, you can see he only gave up 545 yards through the air off of 49 completions.

Surtain was also instrumental in the Broncos’ pass rush. PFF graded him at 74.6 in that department. He figures to give Raiders quarterback Derek Carr headaches in the coming years.