Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II has every reason in the world to gloat.

Just two seasons into his NFL career, Surtain accomplished something most players take several years to achieve when he was named a Pro Bowl starter and first-team All-Pro by The Associated Press and NFL Players Association in 2022.

And he just turned 23 in April.

Despite his near instant on-field success, Surtain was hesitant to say where he ranks among the other talented corners in the league. So his teammate and veteran safety Justin Simmons did it for him.

“Number one,” Simmons blurted out while standing in a corner during Surtain’s news conference last week.

Indeed, Surtain has a legit argument for being the best cornerback in the league. But as he gears up for his third season, the Broncos star is more worried about being a better leader and improving his craft.

“I think it’s leading by example, coaching up the younger guys that we got coming in the (defensive backs) room,” he said. “That’s a focal point of mine.”

Surtain said he wants to help the rookies make an easy transition into the NFL because he understands the challenges of moving from college to the professional level.

Simmons said Surtain continues to grow as a leader, but the former Alabama standout is doing a good job being himself.

“When you’re one of the best corners in the league, guys will naturally follow you,” Simmons said.

Simmons said he’s been fortunate to have great leadership throughout his career in Denver. Playing alongside former Broncos Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Demaryius Thomas, Simmons took pieces of their leadership style and applied it to his own.

“I don’t think there’s one particular way,” Simmons said. “Some guys lead by example (and) some are more motivational.”

Surtain might not relish his personal accolades because he feels there’s more to improve on. Head coach Sean Payton, on the other hand, said Surtain has everything a coach looks for in a cornerback, praising his toughness, intelligence and ball skills.

“All those things come together and then you get an elite player,” said Payton, who coached Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore in New Orleans. “At (cornerback), those are hard to find.”

Surtain’s first impressions of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph have been pleasant. He said Joseph has brought different schemes and packages to the defense while showing confidence in each player’s abilities.

“When you have a guy that’s confident in us and his play calling, that sets us up for success,” Surtain said.

Surtain already has a track record for shutting down some of the league’s top wide receivers, meaning opposing quarterbacks might try to avoid throwing in his direction.

He said the best way to combat that is by running towards the ball, forcing fumbles and locking down his side of the field.

“That’s as big of an impact as having turnovers,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking to take my game towards.”