Mark Walton Thankful for Opportunity with Dolphins

Can Mark Walton be part of the "new Miami" moving forward?

© Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins have plenty of draft picks on the horizon, but not enough to fill every hole on the team's roster. Mark Walton is making a case that he can help speed up the rebuilding process as a strong option at running back. 

Kenyan Drake was the team's leader in running back snaps on Sunday with 46, but Walton was second with 32. Meanwhile, Kalen Ballage saw the field for only five snaps against Washington.

“I’m just thankful and blessed. I’m grateful for the opportunity," Walton said postgame on Sunday. "I’m just trying to go out and not make this bigger than what it is. I’m just trying to go out there and do my job as I’ve been doing throughout the whole week, so I can translate it to games. I’m just doing my job.”

Walton made the most of his opportunities as he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and finished with 32 yards on the ground. He also caught 83 percent of the balls that came his way, good for another 43 yards. 

The University of Miami product is carving out a solid role for himself in Miami's offense as the Dolphins look to develop playmakers. 

Week 6 RB Targets

James White 9
Kenyan Drake 9
David Johnson 8
Alvin Kamara 8
Nick Chubb 6
Zeke 6
Leonard Fournette 6
Mark Walton 6

— Bruce Matson (@MetricScout) October 14, 2019

Mark Walton manned the RB spot during first two Dolphins drives. Kenyan Drake and Kalen Ballage get their first snaps on the third drive. Drake gets three consecutive touches.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 13, 2019

Despite Drake finishing the day with more snaps, Walton technically started for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. 

Like I say, I try to go out there on the practice field and do my job each and every day," Walton said. "I think that’s translating to the field and it gives the coaches more energy to try to put me out there and see what I can do. Practices translate to the game, so that’s what I’ve been trying to do on a week to week basis. It’s just showing up.”

Walton and Miami's runningbacks have a tough test this Sunday as they travel to Buffalo. The Bills are currently seventh in the league averaging roughly 87 yards per game.