West Virginia’s 2015 Draft Recap

This past weekend the NFL Draft took place and with all the hype and commotion that comes with the draft, six former West Virginia football players found a home in the NFL.

West Virginia was third behind Oklahoma and Texas in a not-so-successful Big 12 draft class. Despite the conference lacking NFL talent, it doesn’t take away from the fact that six very talented Mountaineers will have the opportunity to make an impact in the pros.

Kevin White 

White, West Virginia’s star wide receiver, was selected seventh overall in the first round by the Chicago Bears. White was in the spotlight all season due to his outstanding play for the Mountaineers.

White’s selection marked the ninth time a Mountaineer was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.

White and Alabama’s Amari Cooper went back and forth as top receivers in college football this season, and ultimately Cooper was drafted before White. The Oakland Raiders took Cooper with the fourth overall pick.

White can make a quick impact early this coming season as he will line up with another big-time threat in Alshon Jeffery. Veteran quarterback Jay Cutler has had minimal success, as the quarterback position is still uncertain in Chicago — but, regardless of who may be tossing the ball, White adds an immediate fill, possessing the ability to make things happen right off the bat.

White was brought in to perhaps fill the shoes of the now New York Jet, Brandon Marshall who was the Bears’ stud receiver for many seasons. He may not have the impact Marshall had immediately, but with time White could be the Bears’ next big thing.

Mark Glowinski

Glowinski was selected 134 overall in the fourth round to the Seattle Seahawks.

Glowinski is a 6-foot-4, 310 pound offensive guard that started all 25 games for West Virginia in 2014.

He impressed many scouts at the NFL Combine when he benched 225 pounds for 31 reps and showed a strong work ethic during West Virginia’s Pro Day.

He will now use his strength to impress Seahawks coaches and teammates to fight for a starting role. If not, Glowinski can be a quality backup and can learn from one of the most successful teams in the past few years.

Shaq Riddick 

Rioddick was selected 158th overall in the fifth round to the Arizona Cardinals.

During his time at Gardner Webb and West Virginia, Riddick played at the defensive end position. Now the Cardinals will use him as an outside linebacker a position in which they believe is a “perfect for him.”

This will give him a better chance to dominating in the NFL due to his quickness and strength. During his college career, Riddick weighed 245 pounds but leading up to the Combine, Riddick gained 15 pounds to be more powerful and boast the necessary size and strength required to succeed in the NFL.

The Cardinals defense is easily their biggest strengths. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles expects Riddick to jump in early and contribute to the Cardinal’s already intimidating defense.

Mario Alford

Alford was selected 238th overall in the seventh round to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Oct 18, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Mario Alford (5) runs for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. West Virginia Mountaineers defeated Baylor Bears 41-27. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Alford was a great grab and an easy decision for the Bengals. Alford fell, however, to the seventh round as some projected to him to go to the fifth round.

Alford was the second receiver for the Mountaineers behind White and showed NFL promise during the second half this season.

Alford will use his speed to make him a deep threat. After running a 4.2 40-yard dash at West Virginia’s Pro Day, defenses will have to adapt to his speed and smart route running.

Even though he is not the tallest and needs to improve his deep ball catches, Alford is a speedy receiver that the Bengals lack.

Quinton Spain

Spain was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Tennessee Titans.

A surprisingly speedy offensive guard for being 6-foot-4 and 332 pounds, Spain, in time, can be a dominant blocking guard for a young offense like Tennessee.

Spain can improve and move up in the NFL ranks if he gets rid of bad habits such as bad feet movement and bad hand placement. Spain is a work in progress, but a solid pickup nonetheless.

Dreaminus Smith 

Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers.

Smith saw most of last season as a backup running back behind Rushel Shell and Wendell Smallwood. Even as a backup, though Smith has what it takes to be a successful NFL running back.

His speed and quick moves make it hard for defenders to catch him, especially in the open field.

Smith lacks strength though, but with help from talented coaches and trainers, he play the role of a backup with the potential to start one day.

This was an impressive draft class for the Mountaineers. Every player that was expected to be in the NFL has found a spot.

Don’t be supposed to see all six of these former Mountaineer players improve and work toward long careers in the NFL.