How grooming Sutton to be the Broncos top receiver could benefit DT

Following practice Tuesday to kick off Week 2 of OTAs, Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas had strong praise for rookie pass catchers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton.

“The first thing I saw: those guys are smart. They know their stuff and they know that game,” Thomas said. “(They have) all the talent in the world — we’re just trying to get them better and better every day.”

Sutton specifically, “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Pritchard said Wednesday, could be being groomed by Thomas to take over the No. 1 wide receiver position, even as early as this year.

“I think Demaryius Thomas recognizes the ability of Courtland Sutton, and I believe Demaryius Thomas wants Courtland Sutton to be the No. 1 guy, whether it’s this year or next year or for several years after,” Pritchard said.

Pritchard said that a player of Thomas’ caliber in the NFL would not only recognize Sutton has the talent and ability to be a No. 1 receiver in the league but also that it could be mutually beneficial for him to be atop the depth chart.

“How special would Demaryius Thomas be not inviting the No. 1 cover guy across the line of scrimmage as opposed to the No. 2 or, depending on matchups and depending on personnel groupings, maybe you get the No. 3 guy?” Pritchard said. “That’s an advantage for the Broncos.

“So, if you can propel Courtland Sutton, if you can help in any way to flatten that learning curve, and this guy with No. 1 ability becomes the No. 1 receiver, that’s pretty good.”

Pritchard’s comments echo those of “The Drive” co-host DMac’s, who said on Tuesday, “If Courtland Sutton is not out on the field as much as humanly possible, the Broncos are making a mistake.”

The only issue, DMac said, “How are you going to get him enough playing time with Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas?”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.