Niner Noise
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NFL Scouting Combine: 5 prospects with the most to prove in 2018

By Aaron Tan

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Wide receiver John Ross of Washington runs the 40-yard dash in an unofficial record time of 4.22 seconds during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Wide receiver John Ross of Washington runs the 40-yard dash in an unofficial record time of 4.22 seconds during day four of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/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. 1: Wide Receiver Courtland Sutton (SMU)

A month ago, many a draft expert in the media penciled in Courtland Sutton as the No. 1 receiver prospect in this year’s draft. However, the rise of Alabama’s Calvin Ridley and other up-and-coming receiver prospects has plummeted Sutton’s stock.

Everyone knows Sutton can catch the ball at the highest point over cornerbacks with his 6-foot-4 frame and soft hands. However, his ability to separate from defenders is now in question. He’s starting to become viewed as a Laquon Treadwell.

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Sutton’s 40-yard dash will be very important to his draft stock. People are questioning his ability to beat defenders on go routes based off his top-end speed. If he somehow runs in the 4.3s or even in the 4.4s for his 40-yard dash, Sutton’s stock will go back up.

Also very important for Sutton will be the individual receiver drills. This will give scouts a better look at how crisp his routes are — how well he will be able to separate from NFL secondaries.

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Sutton knows that his stock has dropped, due to questions about his ability to create space to get in the open field. He’ll need to have a great NFL Scouting Combine to be picked earlier in the draft.