NFL Draft 2018: Top 10 available wide receivers

DALLAS, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: SMU Mustangs wide receiver Courtland Sutton (#16) turns up field after making a catch during the college football game between the SMU Mustangs and the UConn Huskies on September 30, 2017 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: SMU Mustangs wide receiver Courtland Sutton (#16) /

3. Courtland Sutton, SMU

NFL comparison – Dez Bryant

Proejcted draft position – Round 1 – 2

With 68 receptions, 1,085 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns, the All-Conference receiver had a terrific senior season, putting him in great position to be one of the first receivers taken in this year’s draft. Sutton possesses an NFL body type at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds which he consistently uses to gain position and out-body corners. He has very strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air rather than use his body to secure the catch.

Sutton’s awareness and ability to work the sideline and make NFL-type catches is another of his strong suites as he would catch the ball away from his body using his strong hands and foot placement acting as a maestro of sideline catches. He isn’t the fastest or quickest receiver, so his speed will need some work in order to gain separation when facing NFL corners who will be able to blanket him relatively easy with their speed. Sutton’s ability at using his hands is very underrated as he is able to gain separation with his hand techniques in his route running and jump ball situations.

The SMU receiver is also gifted as a run blocker as his film consistently shows him being active and physical down field not afraid to engage with corners and safeties. Look for Sutton to be used early in his NFL career as a possession receiver who, if he can work on his overall speed and quickness, has the potential to be a top target on whichever team calls his name.

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