The Lead
In Broncos Country, it's no secret the kind of impact that Courtland Sutton has had on the Broncos. The 2018 second-round pick was dominant in his second season as he made the Pro Bowl, and he's developed into a leader and key piece on the roster.
As he aims to return from a 2020 ACL injury, Sutton should again be one of the Broncos' best players — and he has his sights set on returning to the Pro Bowl.
Yet despite how clear Sutton's impact is to Broncos fans, he may be underrated on a national scale. NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund took a recent look at the most underrated player on each team through an analytical scope, and she identified Sutton as the Broncos' player who deserves more attention.
"Considering how effective he was in his last full season of action, Sutton still feels underappreciated," Frelund wrote. "In 2019, Next Gen Stats show that the Broncos wideout earned the third-most yards on deep targets (20-plus yards) with 427, and his +17.1 catch rate above expected on deep targets was fourth-best."
Sutton also forced the fourth-most missed tackles among receivers, Frelund notes.
She also offered a bonus player of note: CB Bryce Callahan.
"Last season, Callahan was one of just three defenders to take at least 150 snaps at each of the left, right and slot corner positions -- and he ranked no worse than seventh-best in any position," Frelund wrote. "In the coming season, he figures to primarily play nickel, where his win share projects to rank in the top three at the position."
Below the Fold
Speaking of Callahan, The Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran explains why Callahan could still have a major role in 2021, even after the team's additions at the cornerback position.
How can Jerry Jeudy improve in 2021? As The Athletic's Nick Kosmider details, timing is everything.
