Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into 2015, the Oakland Raiders are determined to surround sophomore quarterback Derek Carr with more weapons. That’s why they made the decision to select Miami (FL) tight end Clive Walford in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
For the last two years, the Raiders have been depending on the average talent of Mychal Rivera to make plays at the tight end position. While his production has been solid, it’s been due more to the amount of opportunities than the amount of talent.
With Walford now in the mix, the Raiders will have a much more reliable weapon at tight end for Carr to throw to. He’s an above average athlete who can stretch the field and beat slower linebackers, and offers the hands needed to haul in large amounts of passes. Add that in with his ability to occasionally make plays after the catch, and you’ve got a tight end capable of helping the Oakland offense take it to the next level.
The only big knock on Walford is his lack of polish as a blocker. He’ll definitely need to work on his abilities as an in-line tight end once he gets to Oakland, but has the size and strength to develop into a reliable blocker.
If Walford can find some focus and cut down on mental errors, the Raiders may just have found a true playmaker at tight end. Either way, it’s a solid third-round selection for GM Reggie McKenzie.
