2018 NFL Draft: Mark Walton has significant untapped potential
There are plenty of running backs to choose from in the 2018 NFL Draft but few are as well-rounded as former Miami tailback Mark Walton.
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The old idiom out of sight, out of mind has befallen former Miami tailback Mark Walton. A three-year starter at The U, Walton’s final season in Coral Gables was cut short with an ankle injury. The lack of visibility hasn’t done Walton any favors, but even if he falls a bit further in the 2018 NFL Draft than he might have, Walton’s NFL potential remains intact.
A 2,000 yard rusher at Miami, Walton racked up 28 total touchdowns in 31 games. As productive as he was, he only carried the ball an average of 12.7 times per game. Fully recovered from his injury, Walton could turn his 12.7 carries per game in college into a productive NFL career.
Strengths
Walton checked in at 5-foot-10, 188 pounds at the NFL Combine. A shorter, stockier back, Walton runs with a tremendous burst. He can find the open running lane, make a decisive cut and disappear – much like he did here against Toledo in 2017.
It’s not secret that Walton isn’t built with a frame meant to withstand 30 carries a game. That was true in college and it’s certainly true of his NFL potential. However, he doesn’t need 30 touches to make an impact play. Walton is a home run hitter with great hands. He’s hard to bring down and protects the football well, registering zero fumbles at Miami.
Weaknesses
Walton is much better at breaking runs off to the outside than running between the tackles. He doesn’t initiate contact and will make extra moves in the backfield to avoid defenders rather than engage. That slows down the development of the play and renders even the most well-executred blocking schemes moot.
The injury issue will be a concern, but no serious red flags were raised at the NFL Combine. Walton participated in all the drills as expected and wasn’t noticeably hampered by his ankle.
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Draft expectations
Walton’s fills a specific role as a RB2 at the next level. He’s a complimentary option in the backfield, not a bellcow. His versatility and well-rounded play style give him all the tools he needs for a productive NFL career – it just might not start out with an early draft selection.
Projection: Round 4