Denver Broncos: Draft picks mean new-look wide receiver corps in 2018?
Drafting Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton could mean that both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are not part of the Denver Broncos future.
Since 2014, the Denver Broncos have had the luxury of utilizing two dynamic wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Unfortunately for the Broncos, together, Sanders and Thomas will cost them over $30 million to keep on the roster after the 2018 season.
Additionally, the two 30-year old wideouts will be unrestricted free agents in 2020. In preparation, general manager John Elway used two draft picks on receivers in April. The first was SMU’s Courtland Sutton, who was picked in the second round. Initially, it appeared that Elway was prepping for the exit of at least one of his two wideouts.
However, on Day 3, Elway opted to take Penn State’s DaeSean Hamilton. Selecting two wide receivers could be looked at as Elway doubling down on the position. However, it could mean that Thomas and Sanders are out .
The selection of Sutton appears to be one that would allow the Broncos to move on from Thomas. While Thomas is more of a specimen that Sutton, the SMU product does have similar qualities. Like Thomas, Sutton is a height-weight-speed guy as a player who comes in at 6-3, 218 pounds and who runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash in addition to having great leaping ability.
Sutton could end up playing at around 225 pounds in a couple of years, which will aid in his ability to be dangerous after the catch. Sutton already has a tough gritty personality that reminds some of Anquan Boldin. While he’s slower than Thomas, Sutton does have the catch-radius and ball-skills to win down the field.
Though he’ll be much better used underneath and working crossing routes. There’s an added bonus to Sutton’s game as a run blocker — much like Thomas. As a rookie, Sutton will probably see some reps outside in certain packages. But we all know his cap friendly contract and skill-set means he’s the future.
Hamilton, on the other hand, is a different type of receiver with decent size at 6-1, 203 pounds. He’s a great leader with a personality teammates gravitate towards. The way he gets in and out of breaks is a testament to his quickness. Additionally, he has a great understanding of the route tree and concepts. It’s why 80 percent of catches that went for first downs in 2017. Hamilton is similar to Michael Crabtree and could see time in the slot as a rookie.
New Broncos offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s résumé doesn’t look to employ 4-5 wide receiver sets. He’ll likely employ a similar system that made him so successful with the Raiders in 2015 and 2016. Those teams saw a heavy dose of running and two focus receivers.
This could mean Sanders and Thomas will have big seasons. On the other hand, it could also mean that they’ll be gone at season’s end. Hamilton and Sutton are full of youth and will be cheap. Their skill-set fits what Musgrave likes to do and will give their future quarterback targets he can grow with.
Next: NFL 2018: Rookie class bold predictions
Right now, the signal-caller spot belongs to Case Keenum. But, who knows what’ll happen in the 2019 draft. Should Hamilton and Sutton live up to their scouting reports, Elway would have done to the offense what he did to the defense.