Denver Broncos: 9 young players who must shine in 2021

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ENGLEWOOD, CO – AUGUST 17: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos adjusts his jersey while stretching during a training session at UCHealth Training Center on August 17, 2020 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos young players who must shine in 2021

2. Courtland Sutton, WR

Another player I debated even putting on this list because Sutton’s further development really goes without saying.

He is crucial to the future of the Denver Broncos.

Although I debated it, I put Sutton on the list and I put him this high because he is going to be the focal point of the passing game as soon as he returns to full strength.

The first play from scrimmage of Sutton’s 2020 campaign? A 20-yard strike down the left sideline for a first down.

The Broncos saw a fun breakout in 2020 from Tim Patrick, who will be one of the elders on offense in 2021, but nobody on Denver’s roster gives the offense what Courtland Sutton does on a consistent basis.

How many throws did we see in 2020 that fans sitting on their couch at home thought to themselves, Courland Sutton would have caught that?

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1201257813516996609

Sutton is special and was having a huge training camp prior to a shoulder injury that kept him out of the season opener vs. Tennessee. When he came back for the Pittsburgh game, Sutton suffered a season-ending knee injury trying to make a tackle on an interception that was actually his fault.

Only 25 entering the 2021 season, the Broncos unquestionably need Sutton to be a shining star yet again for the offense.

Hopefully, he will be at full strength by the time training camp rolls around (or sooner) and will be able to get on the same page with Drew Lock and the rest of the offense.

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