The Broncos thought Pat Surtain II was the best defensive player on the draft board in April. They also believed Javonte Williams was among the best running backs available.
Through nine games, those forecasts by general manager George Paton & Co. appear to be on the money. Surtain has looked the part of a future franchise cornerback. And Williams, who has rushed for 466 yards on 95 carries, leads the NFL in broken tackles.
Both Surtain (No. 9 overall out of Alabama) and Williams (No. 35, North Carolina) are grading out to be “A” picks by Paton.