Denver Broncos: Courtland Sutton has taken the next step in 2019

The Denver Broncos needed to see progression in year two from WR Courtland Sutton, and he’s given it to them in spades.

The Denver Broncos’ 2018 draft class was insanely good, but in order for this team to get back to competing, they obviously needed that class to take the next step over the course of this offseason.

One player the team has been counting on heavily is wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who caught 50 percent of his targets as a rookie, making some huge plays but showing how raw he is along the way.

Sutton struggled in his rookie season beating press coverage, gaining yards after the catch, and coming down with some passes in traffic. He was always a big-time playmaker deep downfield, and a great “50-50” receiver, but he definitely proved his need to be more of a complete player at the position.

He seems to be taking the necessary steps in 2019.

I put together a video breakdown which you can check out here on my Twitter page.

Sutton has also won two “Chosen One” or game MVP awards on the Knights of DEN podcast with Brandon Keckler and myself. We chatted a bit about Sutton in the latest episode of the show.

Sutton has been a beast this season.

By the numbers

• 16 receptions
• 254 yards
• 15.4 yards per reception
• On pace for 85 receptions for 1,355 yards

Where Sutton’s game has changed the most

Creating separation

This was a huge point of contention last year for Sutton’s pre-draft detractors and those who felt it was just a matter of time.

Can he create separation, especially against press coverage?

So far in 2019, we’re seeing that quite a bit. Especially against the Packers. Sutton was using double moves, crossing the defensive back’s face, and using his elite short-area quickness to beat press.

Winning the short/intermediate game

Not only is Sutton making plays downfield, he’s getting a higher volume of catches and targets because he’s making plays in the short/intermediate passing game.

Most notably, Sutton is making big plays on third and even fourth down plays. He’s working the middle of the field, finding soft spots in zone coverage, and making tough catches.

Yards after the catch

Sutton averaged 4.4 yards after the catch per reception last year, definitely not a terrible figure but for his size, not what you exactly want to see.

Sutton is using his big body to fight for yards after the catch, and he is showing a little more confidence in that area in general. We saw this against Green Bay where he caught a pass deep down the right sideline, then cut into the middle of the field for some big yards after the catch.

All of these improvements are working together and making Sutton look like the alpha the Broncos thought he could be in the passing game when they drafted him.