There were high hopes for Courtland Sutton when the Broncos drafted him in the second round last year. The 6-foot-4 receiver had an extensive highlight reel coming out of SMU and NFL.com compared him to former All-Pro Mushin Muhammad.

Fast forward to today where he’s the Broncos’ clear No. 1 receiver and ranks tied for ninth in the NFL in yards receiving. Plus his acrobatic touchdown catch in the first quarter Sunday is one for the ages.

It’s fair to say he’s living up to expectations.

Through nine games, Sutton has 44 catches for 692 yards and four touchdowns. If he maintains this pace, he’ll finish the year with 78 catches, 1,230 yards and seven TDs. Only Brandon Marshall — who was a fourth-round pick in 2006 — had a better second season in receptions and yards for Denver. Eric Decker pulled in eight TDs in his sophomore season.

Here’s a look at how his second NFL season compares with other Broncos draft picks since 2000:

Player Year G Rec. Yds. TD Brandon Marshall 2007 16 102 1,325 7 Courtland Sutton* 2019 9 44 692 4 Ashley Lelie 2003 16 37 628 2 Eric Decker 2011 16 44 612 8 Demaryius Thomas 2011 11 32 551 4 Eddie Royal 2009 14 37 345 0 Chris Cole 2001 16 9 128 0 DaeSean Hamilton* 2019 9 11 106 0 Cody Latimer 2015 14 6 59 1 * denotes season in progress

— Joe Nguyen, The Denver Post

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What’s on tap?

NFL: At Minnesota Vikings, 11 a.m. Nov. 19, KCNC-4; 850 AM, 94.1 FM

TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today

Score board

NFL: Broncos 24, Browns 19

Full story | Box score

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Must-Read

At 3-6 entering the team’s midseason bye, the majority of the Broncos’ woes can’t be pinned on the defense. No, the Denver defense hasn’t been perfect. And yes, there have been a few critical fourth-quarter lapses they’d like to have back — most notably drives that resulted in last-second losses to Chicago, Jacksonville and Indianapolis.

But in a somewhat nondescript season, the unit has been an overall positive, Kyle Newman reports. Read more…

Even a player as fast and slippery as Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay needs help to break open a big gain.

And during his 30-yard touchdown in Sunday’s 24-19 win over the Cleveland Browns, Lindsay got help four times. Ryan O’Halloran breaks down the play and gives his positional rankings from Sunday’s game. Read more…

Truth be told, nobody in the stadium was more shocked than Brandon Allen when he threw the most ugly-beautiful touchdown pass by any quarterback in a Broncos uniform since Tim Tebow routinely turned water into wine in Denver, Mark Kiszla writes. Read more…

Quick Hits

+ Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: Has Justin Simmons surpassed Von Miller as Broncos’ best defensive player?

+ Broncos podcast: Analyzing Brandon Allen’s first NFL start, forecasting 2nd half.

+ Broncos OLB Bradley Chubb feeling better “each and every day” following last month’s ACL surgery.

+ Broncos Briefs: Vic Fangio decides against bye-week practice.

+ Broncos Analysis: Big plays propel Denver past Browns in Brandon Allen’s debut.

+ Phillip Lindsay caps another strong performance by icing Broncos’ win over Browns with first-down run from the Wildcat formation.

+ Broncos up-down drill: Best and worst performances against the Browns.

+ Broncos Status Report: Entering bye week with win beats alternative.

+ Courtland Sutton adds acrobatic touchdown catch to 2019 highlights.

+ Broncos, NFL kick Odell Beckham Jr. and Browns while they’re down.

+ Lunch Special: If Broncos QB Brandon Allen keeps winning, will Drew Lock not play this season?

+ Jermaine Whitehead cut by Cleveland Browns after disturbing social media rant.

+ Want to chat about the Broncos? Ask to join our closed discussion group on Facebook.

Ask the Expert

+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Ryan O’Halloran.

By The Numbers

115

How many yards receiving rookie tight end Noah Fant had against the Browns on Sunday. Read more…

Parting Shot

Baker Mayfield made some adjustments Sunday when he was in Denver. Not on the field. On his face. Read more…

Get in Touch

If you see something that’s cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me @danielboniface.