Champ Bailey loves the Surtain pick by Broncos

High grades from draft analysts on a draft pick are always affirming.

Fan excitement over a pick is crucial for future interest in the team’s success.

Praise from the media is a nice ego stroke for the player and team.

But endorsements from Hall-of-Famers at the same position...now that’s something to pay attention to.

And that’s exactly what Patrick Surtain II got from former Broncos’ cornerback and recent first-ballot Hall-of-Famer Champ Bailey.

“The guy is special,” Bailey said.

Bailey was seemingly picking up on the vibe in Broncos Country that the Surtain pick was disappointing - presumably because it wasn’t Justin Fields, who was available, and because it was a position full of starters currently.

But if last year’s experience of digging down to the 10th cornerback just to get through the season isn’t enough of a reminder how important corners are, Bailey reminded Broncos Country to remember how much the team relied on its defensive backs to win a championship.

“I don’t see a time in history when you’ve been very successful without good corners — especially special ones,” he said. “You look at the recent Broncos. I mean, we really won a Super Bowl because of our secondary, right?”

Bailey also alluded to the offensive powerhouses the Broncos face twice a season in the Chiefs and even Chargers.

“It’s unbelievable the people don’t appreciate cornerbacks, even in this day with the way offenses are.”