Denver Broncos: Rookie report card through four weeks of 2018

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 18: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos catches a pass for a second quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Courtland Sutton, WR

Key Stats: 8 receptions, 142 yards, 17.8 yards per catch

Among rookie receivers with at least 11 targets this season, Sutton ranks atop the class with 17.8 yards per reception.

The Broncos would obviously love for Sutton to have the same type of production as Atlanta’s Calvin Ridley, who has six touchdowns in the Falcons’ first four games this season on just 15 receptions, but Sutton’s numbers are more than meets the eye.

Among Sutton’s 19 targets are at least two plays that should have been touchdowns, and three that would have been a 20-plus yard play.

Sutton has a legitimate gripe for a touchdown that was taken off the board against the Oakland Raiders in week two, but two other plays the ball just simply has to be thrown better by Case Keenum to give one of the best young jump-ball receivers in the NFL a chance to come down with it.

Sutton’s near-touchdown against the Chiefs is a prime example of that.

The ‘almost’ plays don’t count toward wins and losses just like ‘almost’ sacks don’t count, but Sutton has done a great job of beating coverage, winning jump-ball situations, and aside from a couple of drops, he’s been a nice complementary piece in Denver’s offense.

Grade: B

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