Denver Broncos: Rookie report cards through 12 games

CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 2: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos attempts to run the ball past Michael Johnson #90 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 18: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos scores a 28-yard touchdown during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 18, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Big Shoes Award: Courtland Sutton, WR

When the Denver Broncos drafted Courtland Sutton in the second round out of SMU, it was only a matter of time before the mantle of top receiver was passed down to him from Demaryius Thomas.

After losing to the Kansas City Chiefs the Sunday prior to the trade deadline, the Broncos traded Thomas to the Houston Texans, and put Sutton in a position to fill some very big shoes.

The trade of Thomas has allowed Sutton and a number of other players to get increased snaps, and against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sutton had his most productive game of the season.

He caught four passes for 85 yards and a brilliant touchdown, and made a couple of stellar catches on important third-down plays for the Broncos.

The Broncos need Sutton to be more effective on plays that aren’t 20-30 yards downfield. Their passing game has not been consistent this season and if Sutton can develop a short game, defensive backs will have to just hope for the best every time they line up against him.

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