Courtland Sutton

WR · Southern Methodist
Southern Methodist can hardly be considered a hotbed for NFL talent ever since the legendary Eric Dickerson earned the No. 2 overall selection back in 1983 but current standouts Emmanuel Sanders (Denver Broncos) and Cole Beasley (Dallas Cowboys) provide plenty of evidence that if there is one position the Mustangs can still gallop, it is at wide receiver. The physically imposing Sutton - whose has caught 31 touchdowns passes over the past three seasons -appears poised to continue SMU's impressive recent track record of pass-catchers. After spending his prep career split between tight end and safety, Sutton did not generate the same sort of attention as a prep as some of the other highly regarded receivers in the 2018 draft. He played in just two games as a true freshman, hauling in two passes for a total of 27 yards before being shut down for the year and redshirting. Sutton exploded onto the scene a year later, however, setting a school record with 862 receiving yards and tying Sanders for the most touchdowns by an SMU pass-catcher with nine scores to earn USA Today Freshman All-American honors. A year later, Sutton galloped past some of the thoroughbreds in recent SMU history, breaking Aldrick Robinson's (Atlanta Falcons) sophomore school record with 1,246 receiving yards on 76 grabs and 10 touchdowns to become the first Mustangs' wideout to earn First Team all-conference honors since Beasley back in 2011. Sutton was even more efficient in 2017, hauling in a career-best 12 touchdowns over the regular season to earn First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors and ranking amongst the most productive receivers in conference history. It is easy to get excited about Sutton's blend of size, athleticism and sure hands. Critics, however, will point out that Sutton's top games in 2017 came against the likes of North Texas (eight catches for 163 yards and a career-high four touchdowns), Connecticut (7-112-2), Houston (11-160-0) and Navy (7-123-2) - hardly a who's who of elite defenses in college football. The traits are there to project success in the NFL and warrant a top 50 selection. Given the questionable talent, lack of press coverage and minimal routes run at SMU, however, don't be surprised if this Mustang is a bit late out of the gate. BACKGROUND Earned three stars as a recruit after spending his high school career at tight end and safety. Spurned offers from BYU, Colorado and Rice to sign with SMU. Received a medical redshirt in 2014 after playing in the first two games. Elected to play basketball a year later but saw limited action, playing in just three games and totaling three points and two rebounds in four minutes of action.