One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs

In the NFL, “upside” is the quiet promise of growth—the idea that a player or unit, while not yet elite, has the tools to become a force with time, development, and opportunity. One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs argues that beneath the Broncos’ current receiving corps inconsistencies lies a group with among the most untapped potential in the league. While names like Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and Odell Beckham Jr. have drawn criticism for uneven production in 2026, their combined skill sets—size, speed, route-running, and veteran savvy—create a foundation few teams can match. For the Broncos, this upside isn’t just about fixing short-term gaps; it’s about building a receiving room that can complement quarterback Bo Nix for years, turning a perceived weakness into a signature strength. As the season progresses and young players gain experience, this group has the chance to silence doubters and establish itself as one of the NFL’s most dynamic.

One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs begins with the core of the group: Courtland Sutton’s enduring ceiling as a No. 1 receiver. At 6’4” with 10-inch hands and a knack for contested catches, Sutton has already proven he can be a 1,000-yard threat (he hit the mark in 2023). While 2026 has been a down year by his standards (720 yards through 12 games), his struggles stem less from talent than from defensive game plans—opponents are doubling him at a career-high 38% rate, a sign of respect rather than decline. What’s often overlooked is his ability to adapt: Sutton has quietly improved his route precision this season, reducing his drop rate from 4.2% in 2025 to 2.8% in 2026, and he’s become a reliable blocker in the run game (grading out at 78.3 by Pro Football Focus, top-10 among wide receivers). “Sutton’s upside isn’t about becoming a new player—it’s about returning to his prime while embracing a complementary role,” said former NFL receiver and analyst Reggie Wayne. “When defenses stop doubling him, or when the Broncos add a second threat, he’ll remind everyone why he’s a Pro Bowl-caliber talent. His consistency and work ethic mean that upside is still very much within reach.”

A defining element of One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs is Marvin Mims Jr.’s elite speed and growing polish as a deep threat. The rookie’s 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine wasn’t just a number—it’s translated to game-changing plays, including a 65-yard touchdown in Week 11 and 17.8 yards per catch (top-5 among rookie receivers). While injuries (4 games missed) and inconsistent route-running have slowed his progress, his development curve is encouraging: in the three games since returning from concussion protocol, Mims has averaged 4 catches for 62 yards, with fewer mental errors and sharper cuts on intermediate routes. Broncos wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has noted Mims’ off-field dedication, including extra film sessions and one-on-one drills to refine his release against press coverage. “Speed like Marvin’s is a gift you can’t teach,” Azzanni said. “What he’s learning now—how to use that speed to beat double teams, how to adjust to off-target passes—is what turns a raw talent into a star. His upside is through the roof because he’s not just fast; he’s willing to put in the work to maximize that speed.”

One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs also shines a light on Odell Beckham Jr.’s underappreciated role as a mentor and situational weapon. While Beckham’s 10.2 yards per catch is a career low, his value extends beyond stats: he’s spent hours working with Mims on route nuances, helped Sutton refine his hands in practice, and remains a red-zone threat (2 touchdowns in limited snaps). What’s often forgotten is Beckham’s history of bouncing back—after a torn ACL in 2022, he returned to post 565 yards and 3 touchdowns with the Rams in 2023. His current slump is as much about scheme fit (the Broncos’ offense has focused on the run) as it is about age. With more targeted opportunities—especially in the slot, where his quickness still creates mismatches—Beckham could reclaim his form. “OBJ’s upside isn’t about being the 2014 version of himself,” said Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “It’s about him embracing a role that plays to his strengths: veteran leadership, red-zone reliability, and big plays when we need them most. He’s still got plenty left in the tank, and we’re starting to find ways to unlock that.” For the Denver Broncos, Beckham’s upside is dual: he can contribute on the field while accelerating the growth of the team’s young receivers.

Another layer of One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs is the positional versatility that lets the group adapt to any defensive look. Sutton’s size makes him a threat outside or in the red zone; Mims’ speed excels on deep routes or end-arounds; Beckham’s quickness shines in the slot; and Tim Patrick—when healthy—adds a physical presence as a possession receiver. This flexibility lets the Broncos run multiple formations without sacrificing talent: they can line up in three-wide sets to stretch the field, use Sutton and Patrick as inline blockers in run-heavy packages, or deploy Mims as a decoy to open up space for tight ends. In Week 14 against the San Francisco 49ers, this versatility was on display: the Broncos used Mims as a deep decoy to pull coverage, allowing Sutton to catch a 22-yard touchdown in the slot, and Beckham to convert a third-and-5 with a quick slant. “Versatility is the ultimate upside because it keeps defenses guessing,” said head coach Sean Payton. “Our receivers can play multiple spots, which means we never have to limit our game plan. That’s a luxury few teams have, and it’s only going to get better as these guys play more together.” For the Denver Broncos, this adaptability isn’t just a short-term advantage—it’s a long-term blueprint for sustaining offensive success.

Looking ahead, One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs is poised to fully materialize with two key factors: time and targeted development. As Mims gains more NFL experience, his route-running will sharpen, and he’ll learn to beat double teams consistently. If the Broncos add a midseason reinforcement (like a veteran slot receiver) to take pressure off Sutton, it could unlock his 1,000-yard potential once again. Even Beckham, with a few more designed plays tailored to his strengths, could become a reliable secondary target. The Broncos’ coaching staff has already adjusted their approach, increasing reps for young receivers in practice and designing more plays that leverage their unique skills. “Upside isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a plan,” said general manager George Paton. “We drafted Mims for his speed, retained Sutton for his consistency, and signed Beckham for his leadership. Now it’s about putting them in positions to succeed. This group has the talent to be one of the league’s best, and we’re committed to helping them reach that level.” For the Denver Broncos, the WR room’s upside isn’t just about this season—it’s about building a unit that can carry the offense for years, turning today’s potential into tomorrow’s dominance. One of League’s Deepest Upside for the Denver Broncos WRs isn’t just optimism; it’s a reality waiting to happen.