Courtland Sutton was the right-hand man for Bo Nix last season. In a rookie campaign where Nix put everyone on notice, Sutton delivered his second 1,000-yard year and became the quarterback’s security blanket. From his 100+ yards against Cleveland to the leaping touchdown grab versus the Raiders, Sutton made the Broncos’ passing game click.
Marvin Mims came on strong late in the season, Devaughn Vele had moments, and Troy Franklin was up and down. And don’t get me started on the tight ends.
Actually, let’s. Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Nate Adkins combined for just 46 catches and 456 yards — production that wouldn’t even crack the league’s top 25 at tight end. Add to that an inconsistent run game, and it was easy to see why Bo Nix kept leaning on Sutton.
With Javonte Williams gone to Dallas, Denver’s backfield has been rebuilt. JK Dobbins brings veteran leadership, but the real excitement is rookie RJ Harvey, drafted 60th overall in the second round. Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie round out the room, but expect Dobbins and Harvey to carry the load. If both stay healthy, this unit should be much more effective than a year ago.
The biggest change, though, comes in the passing game. Sutton, Mims, and Franklin all return, but the addition of Evan Engram is huge. For the first time, Sean Payton has a legitimate receiving threat at tight end in Denver. Engram’s presence alone should pull targets away from Sutton.
Troy Franklin also looks like a new player. With a full season learning Payton’s system, he’s playing with confidence and showing signs of becoming a true No. 2 option.
Then there’s Pat “No Block/No Rock” Bryant, who has turned heads in camp with strong hands and reliable route-running. His emergence likely played a role in Denver trading Devaughn Vele to the Saints.
Put it all together, and Denver suddenly has multiple weapons. Sutton will still be there for Bo Nix, but this offense shouldn’t need to rely on him nearly as much. Mims, Franklin, Bryant, Engram, and the upgraded run game all figure to draw their share of attention.
That’s not a knock on Sutton — it’s a sign of progress. Nix now has the tools to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing. Where last season it often felt like Sutton or bust, this year should look far more balanced.
And here’s the twist: a statistical step back for Sutton could actually be a step forward for the Broncos. Less pressure on him means a more complete offense, more options for Nix, and a more dangerous Denver attack overall. Pair that with a defense expected to take another leap, and Sutton could find himself part of a legitimate playoff run.
Ask any player, and most would trade individual stats for team success. Sutton strikes me as the same. He may not be among the league leaders in 2025, but if Denver is playing deep into January, that’s a legacy-defining season in its own right.
Courtland Sutton doesn’t need to be a top receiver this year — he just needs to be part of a top team.
Keith Brugman
Rocky Mountain Sports Network
Be the first to comment