The Broncos don't need Courtland Sutton to start right now -- not with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders both returning on the outside. But down the line, the Broncos have a receiver who should be able to reach passes others can't.
Only three wide receivers likely to be drafted have a bigger wingspan than Sutton, whose 79-1/4 inch wingspan allowed him to pluck plenty of downfield passes out of the air in SMU's offense.
But Sutton could make a role for himself right away in the slot, even as he grows into a receiver who could eventually start on the outside.
The Broncos are likely to have a lively competition at slot receiver, with 2017 third-round pick Carlos Henderson and 2017 practice-squad player River Cracraft among the receivers in the mix. Sutton's ability to make catches in traffic and his quickness are strong attributes if he is asked to contribute there.
"Being able to have that [versatility] in my game is a key trait," he said.
Although his wingspan and height (6-foot-3) are his defining measurable characteristics, his quickness numbers also catch the eye. He posted the third-best three-cone drill among wide receivers at the Combine (6.57 seconds) and the fourth-best short-shuttle time (4.11 seconds).
The two other receivers who finished with top-5 three-cone and short-shuttle times -- Texas Tech's Dylan Cantrell and Missouri's J'Mon Moore -- both had slower 40-yard dash times and smaller wingspans than Sutton.
Few have Sutton's blend of quickness and size, and his versatility could help the Broncos right away.
