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2015 Oakland Raiders Thread (1 Viewer)

So does it turn into a bidding war for Lael Collins? If so, are the Raiders in good shape because of their unspent money they can play with?

 
Even though he isn't a suspect (yet) as long as there is even a shred of a shadow of a wisp of uncertainty there is no way the Raiders make a play for Collins.

 
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Stompin said:
Raiderfan32904 said:
Overriding point is this was a roster that came into the draft talent deficient in a lot of key areas. Free agency was supposed to fill in a lot of holes, but it didn't for whatever reason. The draft was supposed to build our foundation pieces. We had a full draft slate and should have picked up at least 2 or 3 starters. Rounds 4-7 are usually upside longshots and special teamers and I get that. We came away with one new starter and a grab bag of maybes. We really didn't have the luxury of so many upside guys, when we could use sme nice safe upgrades. I dunno, but the draft plan is lost on me, other than Cooper. I have no idea what the Raiders are trying to do. Doesn't make much sense to me.
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Agree. We had many holes and need for depth, but core needs were clear (IMO) -- WR, DE pass rush, CB. And I think we only walked away from the first 4 rounds addressing one.

If you are going to reach a little for a DE, at least ensure that he fills the need by having a proven and consistent track record of using the edge effectively. I get the Sunseri reunion angle, but the Raiders haven't really proven they have the ability to develop talent effectively -- which points to another reason why getting starting talent is necessary for this team.

Really like the Wolford pick as I think a primary receiver out of the TE spot gives Carr another weapon and aligns with the way the game is played now, but it wasn't a burning need given that Rivera seemed to be developing.

In later rounds, I liked that we looked to stockpile picks, but again you need to look at opportunity cost of what you're giving up versus what additional depth you can get. We weren't taking BPA, and we weren't exactly focusing on core needs. So agree that it's hard to tease out the draft plan they were working with here. Maybe a true identity gets molded based on talent you have and acquire, but would be more confident knowing that we had a path to a specific identity going into the draft, rather than what seems like some scattershot drafting.

All that said -- I'm still very encouraged. We definitely have a better team than we did a year ago, and seeing the Raiders have fresh men on the squad that could potentially provide greater depth and flexibility on both sides of the ball is great. We may not be developing as fast or in the way we would want in a perfect world -- but we are developing.
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FWIW, some of Gill Brandt's observations about the Raider's draft:

Cooper is the safest pick and most polished WR in the draft. Can be used in multiple positions including the backfield. Made an immediate impact as a true freshman at AL.

Edwards will be a very good player if he controls his weight. Part of the issue with his weight has that he had to bulk up to play DT. He believe Edwards will be motivated to keep his weight down because Edwards wants to play end.

Brandt considered Walford the best TE prospect in the draft. Believes he will push Rivera.

Faliciano is a much better player than the general perception. Great football intelligence, very good inside player. "Don't let the bad body fool you."

We will see...

 
All the Florida players we took, and all the Florida connections on the staff obviously played a big role in these players. That's usually considered a good thing, so that's mildly encouraging.

Agree with Chaka, if there's a sniff of that stuff still alive, they won't go near him. It seems like other teams with LSU connects have the inside track on Collins anyway, so getting a free first rounder seems like a longshot.

Frank Clark was drafted by the Seahawks, and his pick is getting criticism and media attention. The Hawks are saying they conducted their own investigation, but there were apparently two other people there when it happened, and they say no one spoke to them. This kind of stuff isn't going to go away, and while it may work out with Clark, some of these character concerns are going to blow up. My attitude is, there are good players out there that don't smack women around.

As far as Feliciano is concerned, there's a lot of bodies there on the right side, and that RG and RT spots are going to be a great camp competition to see. Howard, Barnes, Feliciano, Watson, I am not concerned about putting the finishing touches on a solid line. They obviously want maulers, the plan is to just mow down the D-line in the running game. I think the O-line is in good shape. Lot of youth, aside from LT, which might be the #1 need next offseason.

 
New offensive pieces added the last two seasons:

Coach- JDR*

OC- Musgrave*

System- Philly spread*

QB- Carr

RB- Murray, Richardson*, Helu*

WR- Cooper*, Crabtree*, Dubose*

TE- Walford*

LT- Penn

LG- Jackson

C- Hudson*

RG- Feliciano*, Morris*

RT- Howard

KR/PR- Dubose*

*added this offseason

Compare the above to the beginning of 2014. Things are looking up on offense. Defense making similar progress if Mario Edwards hits.

 
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Are we certain that Musgrave is going with a Philly style offense?

I am not sure I buy that he is going to completely change his style so completely after only one season with Kelly, or if he can implement such a scheme even if he wanted to...or if he could consistently and competently make effective play calls even if he did switch schemes and implement it.

 
Chaka said:
Are we certain that Musgrave is going with a Philly style offense?

I am not sure I buy that he is going to completely change his style so completely after only one season with Kelly, or if he can implement such a scheme even if he wanted to...or if he could consistently and competently make effective play calls even if he did switch schemes and implement it.
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Even if Musgrave is a homeless Chip Kelly, he's still an upgrade over the last OC. And I do specifically recall hearing Carr talk up the new system as being very similar to the spread he ran at Fresno St, if that's any indication.

 
LawFitz said:
Chaka said:
Are we certain that Musgrave is going with a Philly style offense?

I am not sure I buy that he is going to completely change his style so completely after only one season with Kelly, or if he can implement such a scheme even if he wanted to...or if he could consistently and competently make effective play calls even if he did switch schemes and implement it.
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Even if Musgrave is a homeless Chip Kelly, he's still an upgrade over the last OC. And I do specifically recall hearing Carr talk up the new system as being very similar to the spread he ran at Fresno St, if that's any indication.
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He may be an upgrade, heck he is probably an upgrade, but if you look at his resume as an OC he may turn out to be a lateral move.

 
page 3 save...

Any idea on when we might start hearing of the Raiders rookies signing their contracts? With the new CBA the contracts should be fairly cut and dry, right?

 
kaso said:
page 3 save...

Any idea on when we might start hearing of the Raiders rookies signing their contracts? With the new CBA the contracts should be fairly cut and dry, right?
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I would hope that they front loan them quite a bit (or as much as allowed via CBA rules). Seems like the no brainer thing to do- pay them more now to get us past the min cap and gives us more money for future spending.

 
kaso said:
page 3 save...

Any idea on when we might start hearing of the Raiders rookies signing their contracts? With the new CBA the contracts should be fairly cut and dry, right?
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Very soon. Teams are already signing their picks and IIRC the Raiders had everyone under contract well before training camp last year.

 
Amari Cooper - WR - Raiders

Raiders signed No. 4 overall WR Amari Cooper to a four-year, $22.6 million contract.
Cooper will also get a $14.7 million signing bonus. By picking Latavius Murray, David Carr and Cooper over the last three drafts, the Raiders have built a solid foundation on offense. A burner with great hands, Cooper is one of the most polished receiving prospects we've seen recently and should be a fantasy asset right away. 1,000 yards in year one is a reasonable expectation if Cooper can stay healthy.
 
Question regarding beat writers:

What's the deal with Steve Corkran? His Twitter bio says NFL writer for hire. I see no recent articles from him, I think January was the last time he published anything. His tweets have really slammed the Raiders, he testified in the age discrimination case by the fired scouts, and it seems like he isn't working for anyone.

Anyone know the scoop?

 
There's some speculation he pissed off Mark Davis and lost his press privileges to cover the Raiders. He has been active on twitter lately post-draft slamming Reggie. So I guess he's not worried about mending any fences.

 
What are the expectations of Raiders' fans for Latavius this year.

Personally, I think he willbe huge. Every single thing theRaiders did is positive for him.

Top 5? Top 10? Or is that too optimistic?

 
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.

 
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
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You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?

 
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alvarndc said:
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
Click to expand...
You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?
Click to expand...
I personally think Murray will be the lead back by a pretty wide margin but only the very best backs in the NFL approach 70% of the RB production for their team. I am not ready to say that Murray is in that category just yet.

Helu will carry the ball, Richardson will carry the ball, Reece will carry the ball. What percentage each will carry the ball is unknown but it could easily be 40-50% of the teams carries.

Oakland had 337 total rushing attempts last year (dead last in the league). Maybe that bumps a dozen spots to around 400? Right now it seems unlikely that Murray will get 75% of those carries.

 
Chaka said:
alvarndc said:
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
Click to expand...
You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?
Click to expand...
I personally think Murray will be the lead back by a pretty wide margin but only the very best backs in the NFL approach 70% of the RB production for their team. I am not ready to say that Murray is in that category just yet.

Helu will carry the ball, Richardson will carry the ball, Reece will carry the ball. What percentage each will carry the ball is unknown but it could easily be 40-50% of the teams carries.

Oakland had 337 total rushing attempts last year (dead last in the league). Maybe that bumps a dozen spots to around 400? Right now it seems unlikely that Murray will get 75% of those carries.
Click to expand...
Agree that Murray will ultimately be the talent that wins out, but unless there are clear signs through preseason, I think that transition will take time this year to play out.

The investment was limited, but the team did go out and grab Helu and Richardson, and then even took a flyer on Dyer. Taiwan Jones and George Atkinson are also rostered. Not all backs are going to make the cut, obviously, but while Murray looked competent last year, he's also still relatively green and I think these moves show the Raiders are likely going to find out which backs work best in further developing the offense and Carr.

From a fantasy perspective, even if/when Murray does take the reins, it's likely still going to be in a timeshare that will limit the upside. Jury is also still out on how upgraded the Raiders O line is over last year -- we lost guys like Wisniewskl (who at least would have provided continuance), and added Hudson as a relatively strong C and perhaps we use Feliciano at RG over Barnes. But it's still an older unit in transition.

 
Chaka said:
alvarndc said:
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
Click to expand...
You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?
Click to expand...
I personally think Murray will be the lead back by a pretty wide margin but only the very best backs in the NFL approach 70% of the RB production for their team. I am not ready to say that Murray is in that category just yet.Helu will carry the ball, Richardson will carry the ball, Reece will carry the ball. What percentage each will carry the ball is unknown but it could easily be 40-50% of the teams carries.

Oakland had 337 total rushing attempts last year (dead last in the league). Maybe that bumps a dozen spots to around 400? Right now it seems unlikely that Murray will get 75% of those carries.
Click to expand...
I don't think 75% is out of the question. It's probably more like the expectation. During the last 4 games, Murray got 68 of the 92 RB carries, or 74%. For the season, you can't look at the totals to determine what the lead back is getting. MJD was the guy week one, until getting hurt. McFadden took over week 2 and held the job until Murray took over in week 14. If you add up the lead RB carries in each of those games, it comes to 209 carries. Divide that by total RB carries (303) and you get 69%. Somewhere around those two numbers is what I'd expect, of course, barring injury.

 
Hoosier16 said:
Chaka said:
alvarndc said:
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
Click to expand...
You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?
Click to expand...
I personally think Murray will be the lead back by a pretty wide margin but only the very best backs in the NFL approach 70% of the RB production for their team. I am not ready to say that Murray is in that category just yet.Helu will carry the ball, Richardson will carry the ball, Reece will carry the ball. What percentage each will carry the ball is unknown but it could easily be 40-50% of the teams carries.

Oakland had 337 total rushing attempts last year (dead last in the league). Maybe that bumps a dozen spots to around 400? Right now it seems unlikely that Murray will get 75% of those carries.
Click to expand...
I don't think 75% is out of the question. It's probably more like the expectation. During the last 4 games, Murray got 68 of the 92 RB carries, or 74%. For the season, you can't look at the totals to determine what the lead back is getting. MJD was the guy week one, until getting hurt. McFadden took over week 2 and held the job until Murray took over in week 14. If you add up the lead RB carries in each of those games, it comes to 209 carries. Divide that by total RB carries (303) and you get 69%. Somewhere around those two numbers is what I'd expect, of course, barring injury.
Click to expand...
That is an unrealistic expectation. Even if it didn't take multiple injuries before Murray even got a chance to see the field the simple fact is that only the Adrian Peterson/Arian Foster/Matt Forte type backs even come close to seeing 74% of the carries for their teams. Do you know how many RBs carried the ball 300 times last season? Two. DeMarco Murray and LeSean McCoy. Only five backs had 300 total touches (Murray, McCoy, Lynch, Forte & Bell).

Are you really ready to put Murray in that category?

But back to the original question of where could Murray finish IF he got 300 carries plus some work catching the ball then I could easily see a top 10 finish for him. But that is mostly because so few backs actually see that kind of workload (about 10/year between 2010 & 2013). However in May there is no way anyone should be comfortable projecting that kind of work load for him.

 
Murray is talented, but he's been hurt a lot. Has he ever carried a full load?

I can easily see him busting out of the gates early, then breaking down after a few games. Sort of like Rashad Jennings on the Giants last year.

 
Agree with Chaka, 300 carries is a rare feat. My early projections have Murray getting about 65% of the carries, but that number is in pencil. Something about Murray screams to proceed with caution. The previous staff was very slow [insert your favorite Greg Olsen joke here] to put Murray on the field. He flashed when he finally got an opportunity but quickly broke down. A new staff comes in and part of the focus was signing Helu and TRich to compete for touches.

I think the most likely scenario is Murray getting most of the 1st and 2nd down opportunities, with Helu getting a majority of the targets as a 3rd / COP back. My eyes tell me that TRich is done, but maybe the light comes on and he becomes fantasy relevant again.

 
LawFitz said:
Murray is talented, but he's been hurt a lot. Has he ever carried a full load?

I can easily see him busting out of the gates early, then breaking down after a few games. Sort of like Rashad Jennings on the Giants last year.
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At Central Florida

2008 Freshman 8 games 47 touches (4th on the team in carries)

2009 DNP? Injury I presume but am not sure

2010 Sophomore 14 games 116 touches (4th on the team in carries)

Junior 12 games 106 touches (3rd on the team in carries)

Senior 11 games 225 touches (Led the team in carries, Storm Johnson was #2)

Number of 20+ carry games in college: 9 (6 as a senior)

 
Chaka said:
LawFitz said:
Murray is talented, but he's been hurt a lot. Has he ever carried a full load?

I can easily see him busting out of the gates early, then breaking down after a few games. Sort of like Rashad Jennings on the Giants last year.
Click to expand...
At Central Florida

2008 Freshman 8 games 47 touches (4th on the team in carries)

2009 DNP? Injury I presume but am not sure

2010 Sophomore 14 games 116 touches (4th on the team in carries)

Junior 12 games 106 touches (3rd on the team in carries)

Senior 11 games 225 touches (Led the team in carries, Storm Johnson was #2)

Number of 20+ carry games in college: 9 (6 as a senior)
Click to expand...
So since 2008, encompassing his entire college and pro careers, he's had only one season with lead back work. Got it, thanks.

 
Stompin said:
Chaka said:
alvarndc said:
Chaka said:
It's really far too early to make any type of realistic projection but here is my thinking on the issue.

Oakland was dead last in rushing yards (1,240) and rushing TDs (4) last year so the question has to begin with how much do you think is a reasonable improvement in both those categories over last year?

Personally I would say that maybe they could move up a dozen spots (maybe) that would but them around 1,600 rushing yards (as a team) and 10-11 rushing TDs.

So the next part of the question is how much of that pie do we think Murray will get? Realistically I wouldn't project much over 50-55% right now, at least not until we start to hear stories about how he is being used during mini-camps and training camp. So right now I would start with 800-900 rushing yards with maybe 5 TDs. Then try to add in receiving yards.
Click to expand...
You see Trent Richardson getting close to 50% of the work?I thought Murray was the undisputed lead back. Isn't Helu just a pass catcher?
Click to expand...
I personally think Murray will be the lead back by a pretty wide margin but only the very best backs in the NFL approach 70% of the RB production for their team. I am not ready to say that Murray is in that category just yet.

Helu will carry the ball, Richardson will carry the ball, Reece will carry the ball. What percentage each will carry the ball is unknown but it could easily be 40-50% of the teams carries.

Oakland had 337 total rushing attempts last year (dead last in the league). Maybe that bumps a dozen spots to around 400? Right now it seems unlikely that Murray will get 75% of those carries.
Click to expand...
Agree that Murray will ultimately be the talent that wins out, but unless there are clear signs through preseason, I think that transition will take time this year to play out.

The investment was limited, but the team did go out and grab Helu and Richardson, and then even took a flyer on Dyer. Taiwan Jones and George Atkinson are also rostered. Not all backs are going to make the cut, obviously, but while Murray looked competent last year, he's also still relatively green and I think these moves show the Raiders are likely going to find out which backs work best in further developing the offense and Carr.

From a fantasy perspective, even if/when Murray does take the reins, it's likely still going to be in a timeshare that will limit the upside. Jury is also still out on how upgraded the Raiders O line is over last year -- we lost guys like Wisniewskl (who at least would have provided continuance), and added Hudson as a relatively strong C and perhaps we use Feliciano at RG over Barnes. But it's still an older unit in transition.
Click to expand...
If Feliciano and Howard start at RG and RT the offensive line will be pretty young actually. Jackson 23, Hudson 25, Feliciano 23, Howard 28. The only offensive lineman over 30 would be Penn.

 
Optimistic Clive Walford article - some stat excerpts:

"Last season, the Raiders struggled to sustain drives. Only the Tennessee Titans averaged fewer than the Raiders’ 5.1 plays per drive, but no team averaged fewer than their paltry 22.6 yards per drive. As a result, they averaged just 1.21 points per drive—the second worst total in the league.

Part of the reason this happened was because the Raiders averaged 3.7 yards per carry on the ground. The Raiders’ 77.5 rushing yards per game was the worst in the league and they routinely faced 3rd-and-long situations as a result."

"One area where the Raiders didn’t struggle last year was in the red zone as they were the most efficient red-zone offense in the league, but they made just 23 total trips."

Clive Walford Could Be Key Player in Raiders' Offensive Revival By Christopher Hansen , 5-16-15

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2466697-clive-walford-could-be-key-player-in-raiders-offensive-revival

The Oakland Raiders made a point to give quarterback Derek Carr weapons this offseason. General manager Reggie McKenzie added wide receiver Michael Crabtree, running back Roy Helu Jr. and running back Trent Richardson in free agency and then used the No. 4 overall pick on wide receiver Amari Cooper.

It’s not hard to envision an offensive revival for the Raiders starting with Carr and Cooper, but it’s just as possible that tight end Clive Walford, the Raiders' third-round pick, could actually be the central figure. Walford could become Carr’s security blanket on third down, which he desperately needed in 2014, and his favorite target in the red zone.

NFL.com compared Walford to Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen, who figured prominently in Andrew Luck’s rookie campaign. Walford is like Allen in that he can catch passes and block, so he’ll always be on the field.

Raiders' Offensive Ranks 2014 Statistic Value Rank Plays Per Drive 5.1 31 Yards Per Drive 22.6 32 Points Per Drive 1.21 31 Yards Per Carry 3.7 27 Rush Yards Per Game 77.5 32

Pro-Football-Reference.com

Last season, the Raiders struggled to sustain drives. Only the Tennessee Titans averaged fewer than the Raiders’ 5.1 plays per drive, but no team averaged fewer than their paltry 22.6 yards per drive. As a result, they averaged just 1.21 points per drive—the second worst total in the league.

Part of the reason this happened was because the Raiders averaged 3.7 yards per carry on the ground. The Raiders’ 77.5 rushing yards per game was the worst in the league and they routinely faced 3rd-and-long situations as a result.

Walford can block on first and second down so the Raiders will have manageable third downs. When the Raiders get to third down, he can be a reliable option for Carr in the passing game that he didn’t have last year.

Raiders' Third Down/Red Zone Stats 2014 State Value Rank Opportunities Rank Third Down Conversion % 33.8 28 237 1 Red Zone 1st Down/Touchdown % 36.0 1 89 31

Pro-Football-Reference.com

Tight end Mychal Rivera and now former wide receiver James Jones were among the league leaders in targets on third down last season, but the Raiders converted just 33.8 percent of their third-down attempts, which ranked 28th in the entire league. They just weren’t getting enough yards even when they caught Carr’s passes, so the Raiders replaced Jones with Cooper and Walford will steal many of Rivera’s opportunities in 2015.

Walford should draw coverage from linebackers and see plenty of targets as teams focus on Cooper, Crabtree and Rod Streater. That should mean more space to operate and gain yards after the catch.

One area where the Raiders didn’t struggle last year was in the red zone as they were the most efficient red-zone offense in the league, but they made just 23 total trips. As they start sustaining drives and the offense improves, the Raiders will get more opportunities in the red zone.

That’s great news for Walford if Carr can carry over most of his red-zone proficiency from a year ago. Walford could become quite a weapon at 6’4” and 251 pounds because he the kind of big target that NFL offenses love in the red zone. His 34” arms, 10 1/4” hands and a 35” vertical translate into a huge catch radius and he also has a big body to box out smaller defenders.

Stretching and sprinting ... TE Clive Walford a big dude, bigger than DE Max Valles. #Raiders

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 8, 2015

Walford’s size and length made him incredibly productive in college. Last season, he caught seven touchdowns and broke the Miami school record for most receptions by a tight end. According to Pro Football Focus, Walford finished first in yards per route run, yards per route run against “Power 5” teams and yards per route run from the slot.

Walford Advanced Stats State Value Rank Yards Per Route Run (YPRR) 3.26 1 YPRR vs. Power 5 Teams 3.38 1 YPRR from Slot 3.35 1

Pro Football Focus

The advanced stats suggest Walford should have been the consensus top tight end in the draft, but he went 13 picks after Maxx Williams out of the University of Minnesota. The Raiders may have been lucky that the Baltimore Ravens moved up to get Williams, as their Plan B option could have been Walford.

Obviously, Cooper is still going to figure heavily into Oakland’s offense, but he’ll be sharing some targets with Streater and Crabtree. Cooper also won’t be assisting the Raiders in the run game or pass protection very much, nor does he have the ideal size to be a red-zone weapon like Walford.

If the Raiders are going to have a decent offense in 2015, they are going to have to run the ball better, they are going to need big plays from Cooper and they are going to need Walford to help them keep the chains moving and to catch touchdowns when they get to the red zone.

Blocking, third-down conversion percentage and red-zone scoring are obviously very important elements, so Walford could be a key cog in Oakland’s offensive revival. Outside of Carr and potentially Cooper, Walford’s performance could have the greatest impact on the Raiders offense in 2015.

Unless otherwise noted, all statistics via Pro-Football-Reference.com or Pro Football Focus.

 
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