Expect Broncos WR Courtland Sutton to bounce back after big offseason changes

When Sutton is healthy and focused, he's a Pro Bowl-caliber player. In 2019, he made his lone Pro Bowl appearance, recording 72 receptions for 1,112 yards and six TDs in 16 games. Since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in 2020, he hasn't been the same player, though, failing to hit the 1,000-yard mark in 2021 (776 in 17 games) and 2022 (829 in 15 games). 

Denver reportedly placed Sutton on the trading block this offseason and almost dealt him to the Baltimore Ravens before the deal fell through. Broncos first-team All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II signaled it was the right decision, as he's noted the 27-year-old's hunger throughout training camp. 

"I just see him getting better each and every week," Surtain II told Palmer Tuesday on "Inside Training Camp Live." "You can tell he wants it. He's been competing at a high level, making plays." 

Sutton should excel under new Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Payton is adept at maximizing tall WRs like Sutton (6-foot-4). While he served as New Orleans HC from 2006 to 2021, Saints wideout Michael Thomas (6-foot-3) made three Pro Bowls and set an NFL record for receptions (149 in 16 games) in 2019.

Sutton matching Thomas' reception feat is unlikely, but he could rebound and become a Pro Bowler again this season.