2015 NFL Draft: Cincinnati Bengals Grades and Analysis
Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Mario Alford (5) returns a kickoff for a touchdown during the second quarter of the 2014 Chick-fil-a kickoff game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
WR Mario Alford, West Virginia
Super Mario boasts quite the resume: a 4.27 40-yard dash, 11 touchdowns, two kick return touchdowns and an All-American honor (kick returner). Paul Dawson was easily my favorite selection, but Mario Alford is easily my favorite player. Super Mario is a touchdown machine and a great returner.
Last year, the Bengals took wide receiver James Wright out of LSU in the seventh round and he proved to be a reliable weapon. The Bengals have done it again by taking Mario Alford. The more you look at Alford the more you love him.
When the Bengals loss Andrew Hawkins to the Cleveland Browns, he left a major hole in the slot while the Bengals also lost his X-factor ability. Mario Alford fills this need admirably. He gives Andy Dalton another weapon that will almost always be open. How many people can cover 4.27 speed.
All in all the Bengals had a very solid draft and the last two picks of the draft put them over the top.
Selection Grade: A