Chicago Bears 2018 NFL Draft target: Courtland Sutton
Amidst major issues at the wide receiver position and the lack of a stud playmaker, the Chicago Bears should target SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
We all remember the last time the Bears picked a wide receiver in the first round. Fans were optimistic when the Bears picked Kevin White seventh overall out of West Virginia in 2015. White’s speed and playmaking ability gave the Bears a potentially deadly offensive threat for the future.
Fast forward to 2017, and it’s safe to say the move hasn’t worked out. White has missed most of two seasons and has been placed on the IR just one week through his third. White joined fellow wide receiver Cam Meredith on the IR, leaving the Bears with just half of the eight receivers that they started training camp with.
All things considered, the Bears desperately need a wide receiver. Not just for this season, but for the future. With White’s future uncertain, and Kendall Wright on a one-year deal, the Bears will look to address the wide receiver position in next year’s draft.
One of the top wide receivers in the country and one of the top prospects for next year’s draft is Southern Methodist wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
The Breakdown
Compared by some to former Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, Sutton is one of the most polished and explosive players in the nation.
The doubt behind the Bears picking Sutton could come down to one thing- defense. After passing up on defense in the first three rounds of last year’s draft, the Bears (despite have an above-average unit) are due to go that route in the draft. If the Bears chose to fill their needs on defense in free agency or trades, the Bears will almost certainly pick a wide receiver in the first round.
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Like Jeffery, Sutton’s key to success is athletic dominance.
Sutton is dominant on both the deep ball and running after the catch, using his athleticism to break free towards the end zone. This was apparent last week, as Sutton caught 8 passes for 163 yards and four touchdowns. The preseason AP second-team All American has proved thus far that he is a major difference maker.
This upcoming draft is very heavy on wide receiver talent. Oklahoma States James Washington, Clemson’s Deon Cain, and Alabama’s Calvin Ridley are just three other names who could be called in the first round. The Bears selection of Jeffery in 2012 worked out big time, which could cause them to lean towards the same type of receiver in Sutton.