Pat Surtain II Named NFL's Top Cornerback for 2025

Pat Surtain II of the Denver Broncos has been named the NFL's top cornerback entering the 2025 season and earned the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. Surtain's standout year featured only 5.5 yards per attempt allowed, four interceptions, and a league-low passer rating when targeted. While rivals Sauce Gardner and Cooper DeJean also received recognition in expert and executive rankings, Surtain secured the top spot. Rising star Christian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots is ranked No. 6 and is praised for his athleticism and potential. Derek Stingley Jr. and Trent McDuffie have also emerged as elite cornerbacks in league rankings. The consensus among coaches, executives, and journalists is that Surtain's consistency and technical excellence set him apart.