The Dallas Cowboys are entering the second and third rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft with their need at wide receiver unaddressed. Choosing Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch in the first round, the Cowboys will have the 50th and 81st overall picks to potentially use on offense. Per this morning’s reports, they are targeting local prospect Courtland Sutton.
The SMU wide receiver took an official pre-draft visit with the Cowboys, and had Head Coach Jason Garrett in attendance for his pro day.
The Dallas #Cowboys plan to select #SMU WR Courtland Sutton today, per source. Dallas is currently scheduled to pick 50th in the 2nd round.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 27, 2018
Sutton would continue the Cowboys theme in this draft of targeting players with high upside. A true X-receiver to “replace” Dez Bryant, Sutton has more than enough physical gifts to contribute on day one in Dallas.
To reach his full potential, Sutton will need to improve as a route runner and finisher against contact, but this is a player that creates separation and presents his quarterback with a large target.
It’s prospects like Courtland Sutton that allowed the Cowboys to pass on a WR at 19th overall, seeing both D.J. Moore and Calvin Ridley pushed down the board because of this year’s depth. With plenty of teams in need of receivers picking ahead of the Cowboys though, they may have to trade up today to ensure they keep Sutton in Texas.
Giving away any of the nine picks remaining in Dallas to address an immediate need would be an ideal way for the Cowboys to enter the final day of this draft. Having achieved their goal of creating a younger roster that’s ready to win, a new toy is coming Dak Prescott’s way in just a few hours.
Keep an eye on this reciever being Courtland Sutton, who would join current Cowboys WR Cole Beasley in Sanjay Lal’s receivers room as players our of SMU.