Could Broncos Draft Courtland Sutton's Replacement in Latest Mock Draft?

Payton appears committed to developing the young players drafted last year, along with Marvin Mims, a 2023 pick.

One question remains: Could the Broncos draft Courtland Sutton’s replacement this year? Sutton is entering the final season of his contract and carries a $20.2 million cap hit.

Last offseason, Sutton sought a pay raise and made it known to the team. He skipped voluntary offseason programs before reporting to mandatory minicamp in June and arriving on time for training camp.

Denver refused to add guaranteed money to his deal but converted $11.7 million of his base salary into a signing bonus for 2024. Incentives were also added to the contract. If negotiations stall or the Broncos prioritize adding another young receiver, they could address the position early in the draft.

In Luke Easterling’s latest four-round mock draft for Athlon Sports, he projects Denver selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round. The second round of Easterling’s mock has the Broncos taking wide receiver Jayden Higgins from Iowa State.

Higgins began his career at Eastern Kentucky, recording 87 catches for 1,151 yards and 13 touchdowns. After transferring to Iowa State in 2023, he led the team with 983 yards on 53 receptions and six touchdowns.

Last season, Higgins ranked 10th nationally with 87 catches for 1,183 yards and added nine touchdowns. Sutton became quarterback Bo Nix’s go-to target in 2024, posting some of the best numbers of his career.

He finished last season with 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time since 2019. His name has surfaced in trade rumors multiple times, including before Denver drafted Nix last year.

Sutton will turn 30 in October.