Dallas Cowboys 2018 draft profile: Courtland Sutton

Our draft profile series continues, as today we look at a possible first round option for the Dallas Cowboys, wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

Today we continue our draft profile series, as we look at Courtland Sutton, a wide receiver from SMU, who could be a huge upgrade to the Dallas Cowboys offense.

Sutton is a 22iyear old, 6’3 218 lb, wide receiver from SMU. In 2017, he totaled 68 catches, for 1085 yards, averaging 16 yards per catch and scoring 12 touchdowns for the Mustangs.

Sutton came into SMU as a safety recruit, but the team chose to flip him to wide receiver after seeing his talent. And it played out very well.

The receiver missed all but two games his freshman year with an injury. In his final three seasons at SMU, Sutton posted 31 touchdowns in 37 games. It’s a very impressive number which shows his knack for finding the end zone.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Sutton also posted some solid numbers. He ran a 4.54 40 yard dash, which is a very impressive number for his size, he had a 35.5 inch vertical jump, a 6.57 three cone drill time, which was second best out of all wide receivers, and also posted 18 reps on the bench press, showing off his strength.

Sutton’s biggest strength is his ability to use his outstanding size to his advantage in the receiving game. He excels at winning 50/50 jump balls, and uses his big body to box out defenders and make catches over the top.

The 22-year old receiver is a willing and physical blocker in the run game, and also excels at catching balls over the middle, and its not afraid of contact.

Although Sutton has lots of physical skills, he does lack great speed to separate at the next level, and could also use some work on his route running ability.

There have been many knocks on Sutton’s speed, but posting a 4.5 40 yard dash is a good time for someone of his size. Many people did not think Sutton would run close to this fast at the combine.

Next: Dallas Cowboys - Three free agents that make sense

In the NFL, Courtland Sutton will be a project player who will take some time to reach his full potential. If given some time, and not forced in to be the number one guy immediately, Sutton can develop and turn into a quality wide receiver in the league.

Round Projection: Late 1- Early 2

NFL Comparison: Devin Funchess