Broncos add to receiver group with Courtland Sutton

The Denver Broncos have selected wide receiver Courtland Sutton out of Southern Methodist in the second round with the 40th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Broncos have a potential successor to 30-year-old Demaryius Thomas in Sutton, who has similar physical measurements to the veteran. He'll likely slot in as the third receiver in Denver behind Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, though he could be restricted to red-zone duty as a rookie.

Sutton was the first receiver taken on Day 2 and third player taken at his position in this year's draft.

Courtland Sutton Bio

Position: WR
School: Southern Methodist
College Experience: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 218 lbs

Strengths

• Best size among top-rated receivers in 2018 draft. Has ability to win contested catches and high point balls over majority of defensive backs.
• Deals well with contact. Uses long wingspan to separate from defenders off the line and at point of catch. Knows how to gain position to guard ball from defenders. Good red-zone weapon.
• Physical, willing blocker on the edge. Can neutralize cornerbacks assigned to keeping containment on outside running plays.

Weaknesses

• Doesn't scare defenses with speed. Explosiveness and separation ability not close to starting NFL receiver level. Seems resigned to idea that he can't get away from cornerbacks.
• Suffered from playing with inaccurate quarterbacks and being his team's clear top offensive weapon in college. Struggled against top-level competition (combined six catches for 46 yards against TCU and UCF).

Athletic testing