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The end of the 2017 college football season brings with it a host of underclassmen declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft. Players have until January to declare, but most do so shortly after their bowl game. Southern Methodist wide receiver Courtland Sutton joined that group, declaring for the draft on Friday.
Sutton is projected to go in the first round next April, but where exactly is up for debate. I’ve seen mock drafts suggesting the San Francisco 49ers consider him at No. 5, and I’ve seen mock drafts that have him going in the bottom third of the first round.
The 49ers’ wide receiver depth chart has some upside for the short term once Pierre Garçon gets back, but they need to build out the long-term depth. They need a clear No. 1 receiver for the long haul, and Sutton is certainly an intriguing option. I think there are more pressing needs to address with a top of the first pick, but what if the 49ers traded down and netted a couple firsts this year? Is wide receiver a position you couple with another impact position, or are you inclined to wait it out for now and address various other areas in the early going?