Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers NFL Draft needs: 2018 wide receiver big board

By Florito Maniego

ANNAPOLIS, MD - NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ANNAPOLIS, MD – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MD – NOVEMBER 11: Wide receiver Courtland Sutton #16 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs makes a catch against the Navy Midshipmen during the second half at Navy-Marines Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Courtland Sutton (SMU)

SMU’s Courtland Sutton is one of the biggest names in this year’s draft boards for wide receivers. Since 2015, Sutton has been in many conversations about being the possible next superstar in the NFL.

Sutton had an impressive 2017 campaign with 1,085 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Sutton’s best game was against North Texas on Aug. 9, 2017 in which the Mustangs receiver garnered 163 yards and four touchdowns.

According to his draft profile on NFL.com, Sutton’s body frame makes him an instant game-changer. The 6-foot-4 and 215-pound wideout is able to snag 50-50 balls thrown at his direction, which is critical especially in the red zone.

As a possession receiver, Sutton might find the most success during third-down or clutch situations. Especially with his physical play, Sutton would be a reliable target for any quarterback.

Sutton, however, still needs to improve on his overall speed and separation. Route running has also been an issue for Sutton, which would not fare well with Shanahan’s high-octane offense.

If Sutton improves in those areas, the 49ers could take a chance on him either in the first or second round where the SMU receiver is projected to be drafted.