The Denver Broncos finally made their long-awaited return to the postseason last year—something fans hadn’t seen since that glorious 2015 Super Bowl 50 run. Now, riding the high of playoff momentum, three of Denver’s standout stars have earned serious recognition on CBS Sports’ Top 100 NFL Players for the 2025 season, as compiled by longtime analyst Pete Prisco.
And let’s just say—it’s about time.
But while three Broncos cracked the list, there's already chatter around Mile High about who didn’t make the cut. Could this be motivation fuel heading into training camp? Probably. Let’s dive in.
🥇 Pat Surtain II: Lockdown Royalty at No. 9
Headlining the Broncos’ representation on Prisco’s list is none other than Pat Surtain II, landing at an impressive No. 9 overall. That’s right—Top 10 in the entire league. And deservingly so.
Nicknamed PS2, Surtain isn’t just playing like the best cornerback in the NFL—he is the best. His ability to blanket top-tier receivers has transformed Denver’s defense into one of the league’s most intimidating units. In fact, it was his standout performance week in and week out that helped him secure the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award.
"PS2 has emerged as the top cover corner in the league," wrote Prisco. "His ability to lock down receivers impacts the Denver defense in a big way."
Surtain isn’t just a shutdown artist—he’s a system-changing player. You don’t game plan around him, you game plan because of him.
🧱 Quinn Meinerz: Belly Up at No. 51
Coming in next for the Broncos is none other than Quinn Meinerz, affectionately known as “The Belly.” If you're a Broncos fan, you already know—Meinerz brings the grit, the muscle, and the attitude every elite offensive line needs.
Ranked at No. 51, Meinerz has solidified himself as one of the league’s most complete offensive linemen. After a monster season in 2024, he was honored as an All-Pro, showing prowess both in run-blocking and pass protection.
"He is adept as both a run blocker and in pass protection and is a big part of why the Denver offensive line improved last season," Prisco noted.
And really, if you watched Denver's offense last year, you could feel Meinerz’s presence. The guy was mauling defenders, keeping pockets clean, and opening lanes for whoever was lined up in the backfield.
This recognition is a big win for the blue-collar trench warriors—and Meinerz is at the heart of it.
🛡️ Garett Bolles: Silent Protector at No. 74
Sneaking into the Top 100 at No. 74 is veteran left tackle Garett Bolles. While not as flashy as some others on the list, Bolles has been a reliable anchor for Denver's O-line, especially in the passing game.
"Bolles excels in pass protection playing on the left side of the Denver line," Prisco wrote. "He isn't a power player in the run game, but he gets by with his smarts."
What Bolles lacks in raw run-blocking aggression, he makes up for with consistency, intelligence, and leadership—qualities you absolutely want from your blindside protector.
At 32, Bolles may be entering the twilight of his career, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. If Denver’s offense continues trending upward, a lot of credit will point right back to No. 72.
🚨 Notable Snubs: Where's Courtland Sutton?
While it's great to see three Broncos get recognition, fans can’t help but wonder—what about wide receiver Courtland Sutton?
Sutton’s been one of Denver’s most consistent offensive threats for years. Even amid quarterback chaos, he continues to produce clutch catches, physical routes, and key touchdowns.
Interestingly, Pro Football Focus (PFF) had Sutton ranked ahead of Bolles—yet Prisco went in the opposite direction. That’s not necessarily a knock on Bolles, but it does raise eyebrows.
Was it Sutton’s lack of yardage volume? His lack of national spotlight? Whatever the reason, it feels like he deserved a nod, especially considering the key role he played in Denver's playoff push last season.
🧠 Other Broncos Who Deserve a Look:
Let’s get speculative for a moment. Here are a few other Broncos players that could’ve been in the conversation:
🧨 Baron Browning – Edge Rusher
In a league where quarterback pressure is king, Browning was quietly one of the AFC’s most efficient pass rushers in 2024. He might not rack up gaudy sack numbers like T.J. Watt or Micah Parsons, but his presence is felt on nearly every down.
🧲 Justin Simmons – Safety
The veteran safety continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. His IQ, ball-hawking ability, and leadership in the secondary are still elite.
🚀 Javonte Williams – Running Back
When healthy, Williams is an absolute bulldozer with a turbo button. Injuries have limited his exposure, but when he's rolling, he’s top-tier. He just needs a full season to really make his case.
🔥 What This Means for Denver in 2025
Having three players in the Top 100 shows something important: the national media is finally recognizing that the Broncos aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reloaded.
You’ve got elite players at all three levels:
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Secondary: Pat Surtain locking down the backfield.
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Trenches: Meinerz and Bolles holding it down up front.
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Potential Stars: Sutton, Browning, Simmons lurking in the wings.
Head Coach Sean Payton has started shaping this roster in his image—gritty, smart, physical. And after their long-awaited return to playoff football, expectations for 2025 are sky-high.
📲 Fan Reactions Wanted!
We want to hear from you. Do you agree with Prisco’s Top 100 picks? Think someone was disrespected or flat-out snubbed?
👉 Drop your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter/X and tag us. Let the Broncos Nation debate begin.
In Summary:
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🔟 Pat Surtain II – No. 9 overall. NFL's best corner? Check.
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💪 Quinn Meinerz – No. 51. All-Pro belly bash brother.
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🛡️ Garett Bolles – No. 74. Veteran pass-blocking rock.
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❓ Courtland Sutton – Snubbed? You decide.
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🔭 Other contenders: Browning, Simmons, Williams
The Broncos are back in the national spotlight—and this list is just the beginning.
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