West Virginia Football: Last minute look at main Mountaineers in this year’s draft
The NFL Draft is tomorrow night and several former West Virginia football players will be waiting to see what their future holds. Some player’s futures appear brighter than others, but no matter what round you’re drafted in, it’s all about what you do with the opportunity.
The three main Mountaineers in this year’s draft are wide receivers, Kevin White, Mario Alford and offensive lineman Mark Glowinski.
Kevin White
White is West Virginia’s highlight in this year’s draft. White is projected to be taken in the first round with many mock drafts having him landing in either Oakland, New York (Jets) or St. Louis. White will likely be the first Mountaineer taken in the first round since Bruce Irvin was taken 15th overall to the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.
Oct 4, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receivers Kevin White (11) and Mario Alford (5) celebrate after White scored a touchdown against the Kansas Jayhawks during the first quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
His Outlook:
White stands a tall 6-foot-3 and checks in a 217 pounds. White is a “jump ball” kind of receiver. It doesn’t take a perfect pass for White to reel it in and make a play. He’s a strong receiver with solid route running skills. White also ran an incredible 40-yard dash while at the NFL Combine. White ran a 4.3, hardly a number to ignore.
With the ability to go up and get the ball and blazing speed, White should be a no brainer for any team looking to add a weapon to their passing game.
Prediction: First Round — Oakland Raiders.
Mario Alford:
Alord was White’s complement all of last season. He has the ability to make plays when he gets into open space. His blazing speed can be not only beneficial to a team looking for a receiver but a solid returman for special teams. Not the tallest receiver in the draft, but that hasn’t stopped others from making it on an NFL roster.
His Outlook:
While White is fast, Alford’s faster. That didn’t hold true during the NFL Combine, but during West Virginia’s NFL Pro Day, Alford ran a speedy 4.2 40-yard dash showing he’s capable of turning on the burners.
Alford can be a useful tool when it comes to screen passes or short swing plays. His speed allows him to create space and take short passes for big-time gains. He’s not a first round talent, but should be a helpful pickup for a team looking for a fast playmaker.
Prediction: Sixth Round — Arizona Cardinals
Mark Glowinski
Glowinski was a driving force behind West Virginia’s offensive line this past season. A big body who is capable of providing any team help at the guard position.
His Outlook:
Glowinski is far from the most sound guard in this draft, but the potential for him to work with NFL coaches and really improve his techniques and skill set is there. He can be molded into a really solid guard with time. He has consistent hand placement while blocking, but excels more in run blocking than pass blocking.
Prediction: Fourth Round — New York Giants
Other Notables/Surprises:
- Dreamius Smith, running back
- Shaq Riddick, defensive end