The Chicago Bears are putting SMU’s Courtland Sutton – one of the draft’s best wide receiver prospects – through a workout over the weekend, a source indicates to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport:
#SMU WR Courtland Sutton is visiting the #Eagles today, source said, and he has a workout this weekend with the #Bears. Among the other teams to get private time with him: #Patriots, #Saints, and #Cowboys.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2018
Sutton has been one of college football’s best playmakers on the outside the last two years. He was a dominant offensive force in the American Athletic Conference in his sophomore and junior seasons, averaging 72 catches, 1,165 yards, and 11 touchdowns. And his redshirt freshman campaign where he caught 49 passes for 862 yards and nine touchdowns wasn’t shabby either.
Sutton might be there for the Bears when they are on the clock with the 39th pick, but it’s worth pointing out that he’s been projected to go as high as No. 9 to the San Francisco 49ers.
Because the Bears beefed up their receiving corps with Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel, GM Ryan Pace doesn’t necessarily need to reach for a player at the position with the No. 8 pick. But that could change, if the team doesn’t match the New Orleans Saints’ offer sheet for restricted free agent Cameron Meredith. Either way, the team could still target a top prospect in Day 2 or 3 on draft weekend, and Sutton could fit the bill.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Sutton checked in at 6-3 and 218 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash 4.54 seconds, which is impressive for a player of his size and encouraging, because he was never really known as a burner.
But even despite apparent big-time speed in college, Sutton was a downfield threat because of his ability to make contested catches and haul in more than his fair share of 50-50 balls. Sutton’s route tree is a bit limited, but he possesses big-play ability and could be groomed into an expanded role by a hands-on coaching staff that is willing to be patient.
With the Bears, he could find a home.