Mark Walton NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

POSITIVES

—One of the draft's best runners in space, Walton can rip off big runs by shaking defenders and then closing with speed.

—Walton is a three-down threat and will likely see his first role in the NFL as a receiving option out of the backfield or flexed out in the slot.

—He has tree-trunk thighs and will use them to run through contact, and he shows nice agility while breaking ankles with his quickness and cutting skills.

—Walton doesn't have great size, but he is not a timid runner.

—Has excellent ball security and should be praised for limited fumbles in college.

NEGATIVES

—Is considered undersized for the NFL at 5'10" and 188 pounds; did not test exceptionally well at the combine.

—Coming back off ankle injury that ended his season in early October.

—Can be too cute as a runner and likes to pick and choose his rushing lane instead of attacking the lane and running with urgency.

—Walton likes to dip his shoulders and attack but might be too small to run with that type of abandon in the pros.

OVERALL

Walton is the type of back the NFL wants on the field for third-down situations and has the tools to be used as more than that in a scheme that favors outside runners with hands. His lack of size and recent injury could push him down boards, but we see an immediate NFL contributor.

GRADE: 6.50 (Round 3)

PRO COMPARISON: Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals