Courtland Sutton – Wide Receiver
School: SMU
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215
Courtland Sutton NFL Draft Profile
Courtland Sutton joined SMU as an in-state three-star recruit from Brenham High School in Brenham, Texas. During his freshman year, he was hurt for the season and received a medical redshirt. He started every game since getting hurt and was noticeably the best player on the field.
He hauled in a total of 195 catches for over 3,200 yards through the air with 31 receiving touchdowns over the span of his Mustang career. He scored once as a rusher during his 2017 junior campaign. He chose to forego his senior year by entering the 2018 NFL Draft and has the ability to be an instant playmaker for whatever team takes a chance on him.
Upside
Size
Sutton’s size is rare for a wide receiver. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 215 pounds, he can be a dangerous red zone threat. He can use his frame to box out smaller defensive backs. He moves pretty well for a bigger receiver, while he does not possess elite speed, he has enough to create some separation.
50/50 Balls
Sutton has a great knack for winning jump balls against defenders. He shows great timing and when it is between him and someone else to come down with a pass, he will most likely be the one making the play.
Run Blocking
Sutton excels at run blocking. He uses his long arms to engage defenders and keeps running his feet. His downfield blocking allows for big running plays which will be something that boosts a general managers attraction. A big receiver who is able to make downfield catches but also helps in the run game can be a big asset.
Downside
Speed
Courtland Sutton does not have the breakaway speed that would allow him to blow the top off of defenses. He relies more on his size to create opportunities.
Route Running
Sutton’s route running needs work, bottom line. He ran a lot of screens, hitches, and streaks at SMU. Not even close to what an NFL receiver is expected to learn. Sutton has the blueprint to be a great receiver but he will need to adapt to a professional playbook.
Overview
Courtland Sutton can be a really good NFL receiver if he can learn an extensive route tree. His lack of speed will be balanced out if he can run a crisp route. He has what cannot be taught; he has the size so if he can be groomed he can be an effective playmaker. I am anticipating his name to be called fairly early in the draft.
NFL Player Comparison
Teams With A Need At Wide Receiver
Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals
Projection
San Francisco 49ers