Courtland Sutton is the Most Underrated WR in the NFL

Sutton Has Elite Production Despite Inconsistent QB Play

Since entering the NFL in 2018, Courtland Sutton has delivered year after year, despite catching passes from a carousel of subpar quarterbacks.

From Case Keenum to Joe Flacco, Drew Lock, Teddy Bridgewater, Brett Rypien, and a struggling Russell Wilson, Sutton has faced constant uncertainty at the game’s most critical position. Yet, he’s remained a reliable target for every signal-caller he’s played with.

In 2019, Sutton showcased his brilliance, hauling in 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns on 124 targets, earning a Pro Bowl nod. Remarkably, he did this while catching passes from three different quarterbacks: Joe Flacco (seven games), Drew Lock (five games), and Brandon Allen (three games). Despite this instability, Sutton thrived, proving he could elevate any offense.

Even after a devastating ACL tear in 2020, Sutton bounced back with a full 2021 season and has remained a key part of the Broncos’ offense. His post-injury performance has shown flashes of his early promise:

• 2021: 58 receptions, 776 yards, 2 touchdowns
• 2022: 64 receptions, 829 yards, 2 touchdowns
• 2023: 59 receptions, 772 yards, 10 touchdowns

While his yardage dipped slightly in 2023, Sutton’s nose for the end zone stood out with a career-high 10 touchdowns. His ability to deliver highlight-reel catches reminded everyone of the dynamic playmaker he was before the injury.

According to NFL Penalties, Sutton led the NFL in 2023 with nine defensive pass interference (DPI) flags drawn, forcing defenders to commit penalties to stop him. He has also led the league in DPI yards drawn over the past three seasons.

Highlight-Reel Catches and Athletic Prowess

Sutton’s game tape is a highlight reel of jaw-dropping plays. Standing at 6-foot-4 with an absurd catch radius, he’s a matchup nightmare in one-on-one situations.

Whether it’s a toe-tap grab in the end zone or a one-handed snag in tight coverage, Sutton makes the impossible look routine. In 2023, he ranked among the league leaders in contested catch rate (57.1%, per PFF) and red-zone targets, proving he’s not just a deep threat but a clutch performer when it matters most. He doesn’t need perfect separation — just a chance — to make the play.

Took off with Bo Nix

In 2024, Sutton faced yet another season where he would be playing with a new quarterback. This time, it was rookie QB Bo Nix taking over.

Many believed that Sutton would fall flat and continue to put up the numbers he had over the last three years. Many expected Sutton to plateau, given that his previous three seasons had hovered around 800 yards.

Instead, he delivered arguably his best performance since 2019, totaling 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns on 135 targets. He also caught 21 of 35 contested targets, a 60% success rate that ranked among the league’s best. Sutton became Nix’s go-to target, providing a reliable safety net for the young QB and helping fuel Denver’s offense. His ability to adapt to yet another quarterback underscores his versatility and value.

Leadership and Mental Toughness

Beyond the stats, Sutton’s leadership and resilience set him apart.

After his 2020 ACL tear, many wondered if he’d return to form. Yet, he attacked his recovery with relentless determination, reclaiming his role as Denver’s WR1. Teammates and coaches rave about his work ethic and locker-room presence.

“I think Courtland, is a resource for the team from a leadership perspective. There’s a work ethic, and a toughness, and a consistency day-to-day that I think is a great benefit to a young quarterback,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted in a 2024 press conference.

Sutton’s mental toughness shines through in his ability to perform in Denver’s often dysfunctional offense. While stars like Jefferson, Lamb, and Chase benefit from stable quarterbacks (Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, and Joe Burrow), Sutton has never had that luxury.

Yet, he consistently produces, showing up week after week with the same intensity, whether it’s a primetime game or a late-season slog. His ability to stay focused amid constant quarterback changes and team struggles is a testament to his character and drive. Now, with Bo Nix as his quarterback, he will look to continue his consistent production and make more highlight-reel plays. 

Additionally, Sutton has been consistently available to the Broncos. Since 2018, Sutton has played in 81 of 85 possible regular-season games in his full seasons (2018, 2019, 2021–2024), missing only a handful of games outside his injury-shortened 2020 season. This durability underscores his physical toughness and commitment to being there for his team, no matter the circumstances.

The Disrespect—And Why He Deserves More Recognition

While Sutton may not put up the same statistics as some of the stars in the league, he has proven to be a reliable wide receiver for any quarterback. One could even argue that he lost some explosiveness after tearing his ACL, but he’s still produced. 

It’s time for the NFL world to give Courtland Sutton his flowers. His consistency, athleticism, and leadership make him a cornerstone for Denver and a player deserving of Pro Bowl and All-Pro consideration. As Bo Nix develops, Sutton’s star will only shine brighter.

The Broncos recognize Sutton’s elite talent. Fans, analysts, and voters need to do so as well before they regret it.