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Russell-fly effect: Broncos drafted a great CB in Patrick Surtain, and it sunk the franchise

Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is a marvelous player. Before the end of his second season he's already one of the best young defensive players in football.

Pro Football Focus' grades have Surtain ranked as the ninth-best cornerback in football, and that seems low. He has shut down some of the best receivers in football. He's a star.

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Surtain is also a fantastic cornerback on one of the worst teams in football, which has very little hope for a quick turnaround.

The Broncos are proving that you can pick a great player in the first round and still unintentionally set in motion a series of events that wrecks your franchise for years.