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After addressing most of the preconceived needs on the first two nights, the Cincinnati Bengals went a bit of an unconventional route in their fourth round selection of University of Miami running back Mark Walton.
Unfortunately for Walton, he experienced injury issues for the Hurricanes in 2017. However, as a sophomore in 2016, Walton had 1,117 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns, showing his big-play capability.
Walton has limited experience as a kick returner, with most of the work being done in his freshman year. Even so, this might be a route the Bengals explore with their new No. 3 back.
On the NFL Network telecast, both Mike Mayock and Daniel Jeremiah loved the pick for the Bengals, while Mel Kiper, Jr. said Walton is a second round talent who fell because of injury issues. This is another move for a team looking for sizzle on offense.
What have others been saying about the pick?
Let’s take a peek:
Mark Walton reminds @PFF_Steve of Dion Lewis. His big plays in 2017 are just sick. Has an incredible lateral cut that just breaks contain angles
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) April 28, 2018
Mark Walton an odd pick for a Bengals team with Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard signed through 2019+
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 28, 2018
The #NFLDraft tape for @CanesFootball RB Mark Walton (@_Hungry_1) is . pic.twitter.com/GY2KDbXfF6
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 27, 2018
The Bengals selected Miami RB Mark Walton in the fourth round, a surprising choice with some other needs still up in the air. https://t.co/rRGRrMsCkL
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) April 28, 2018
Congratulations to Mark Walton the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals! U Family!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) April 28, 2018
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 28, 2018
Real excited to see where one of the most complete backs in the draft lands today. Mark Walton was on his way to owning the record books at Miami if not for his injury. @_Hungry_1 congrats on the new chapter, from a tornado to a Hurricane to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/BTCL58jUNs
— CanesCutUps (@canescutups) April 27, 2018
What are your thoughts on the Bengals’ selection of Walton in the 2018 NFL Draft?