Courtland Sutton: 2018 NFL Draft prospect preview

The 2017 NFL Draft had some exciting wide receiver prospects, but Courtland Sutton opted to wait for 2018. Here’s a quick look at his skills…

There were some big names at the wide receiver position in the 2017 NFL Draft, but potentially one of the best prospects decided not to declare for it. Now a 2018 NFL Draft prospect, SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton opted for another year on campus at SMU to hone his skills as a receiver, and to continue to solidify his status as one of the top receivers in all of college football.

"“I’m committed to being the best receiver in college football next year,” he said. “That’s something I know I can achieve, but it’s not going to be something I’m going to achieve by myself.”* Courtland Sutton, via the SMU Daily Campus"

Sutton certainly has a good head start on achieving that goal. He caught 76 passes for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season, one year after catching nine touchdowns.

This kid is a big-time playmaker who stands at 6-4 and weighs 215 pounds. He has an NFL body type with big, strong hands and the ability to dominate in the red zone. Sutton has a basketball background, and knows how to ‘box out’ on jump balls downfield or in the red zone.

This is a physical player after the catch who is able to overpower most defensive backs with his strength. He’s a long-strider who has pretty good speed on tape and just has the look of an NFL receiver. That’s likely due to his 5AM wakeup calls and dedicated workout regimen.

Some are already projecting Sutton to go in the top 10 of next year’s draft. He’s certainly one of the most exciting playmakers at the wide receiver position and is still growing in his game. Entering his junior season, Sutton doesn’t have much left to prove to NFL scouts other than consistency.

If he can do that, we might see that top 10 projection come to fruition in 2018.