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Grading the top 5 rookie WRs drafted in 2018

By Joel Deering

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of D.J. Moore of Maryland after he was picked #24 overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays an image of D.J. Moore of Maryland after he was picked #24 overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with his teammates after scoring an 8 yard touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 07: Courtland Sutton #14 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with his teammates after scoring an 8 yard touchdown against the New York Jets during the first quarter in the game at MetLife Stadium on October 07, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. 40th Overall Pick – Courtland Sutton – Denver Broncos

Games Played: 9

Games Started: 2

Receiving Stats: 20 receptions for 381 yards, an average of 19.1 yards per catch and 2 TDs.

Analysis: “We’re going to lose a little bit, but where we can make it up is with the youth, the young guys and getting them experience as this year continues to go. I didn’t think that eliminated our ability to compete and hopefully have a better second half than we’ve had in the first half and win some football games.” Those are the words of Broncos GM John Elway after the team traded Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans.

It’s obvious the Broncos have faith in their second-round rookie WR Courtland Sutton. Since Thomas has been shipped out of Denver, Sutton has moved into the starting lineup. The Broncos wouldn’t have made that move if they didn’t think Sutton could soon fill the role Thomas played.

In his first start since seeing Thomas go, Sutton caught three passes for 57 yards. The Broncos would lose that game, but Sutton made a good contribution. That game was actually the fourth game this season Sutton had at least 50 yards receiving, only one less than Demaryius Thomas has.

Sutton currently ranks third among rookie WRs in receiving yards, which is pretty good when you consider he’s been behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders most of the season.

Courtland Sutton was a first-round talent heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, but he wasn’t drafted until the second-round. It’s because of that he hasn’t been expected to do as much. Sutton has lived up to his second-round draft status to this point, but it looks like he could exceed that as time goes on.

Grade: B

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