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Dynasty & Redraft: TE Clive Walford, Raiders (1 Viewer)

Faust

MVP
I have extracted this from the Raiders thread:

Bob Magaw said:
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.
 
Rotoworld:

Per NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein, Miami TE Clive Walford hurt his draft stock with a poor attitude during the interview process.

"He acted like he was doing us a favor by even talking to us," one NFL tight end coach told Zierlein. "We asked about an issue he had and he got pissy." This year's week tight end class just can't get out of its own way. Zierlein noted that three of the four TEs have been labeled as potential attitude problems, with Minnesota's Maxx Williams and South Carolina's Rory "Busta" Anderson joining Walford.

Apr 27 - 9:41 PM
Source: NFL.com
Miami TE Clive Walford "can do a lot of things well, but... does not appear to be somebody who can dominate in the NFL either as a receiver or blocker," notes NFLDraftScout.com's Frank Cooney.

"He looks like a good possession receiver, but the medics should check that knee that was repaired at the end of last season," Cooney wrote. Walford is not lacking in confidence. When asked what he offers an NFL team at the combine, he outright refuted Cooney's later assertion about his game: "A dominant player. A dual-threat tight end. A competitor. A will to win. I play with my heart, so they're going to get somebody who will lay it on the line every down."

Apr 16 - 2:12 PM
Source: CBS Sports
Miami TE Clive Walford is a multidimensional NFL weapon, posits ESPN's Louis Riddick.

"Walford going to give NFL defenses problems in 1 on 1 coverage in the [middle of the field] and in the seams," Riddick wrote. "And... he will compete as a blocker." Walford hasn't been able to show his stuff for scouts much this offseason while recovering from a hamstring injury, but he shows plenty on tape. We agree with Riddick's take, and see a Day 2 pick in a weak TE class.

Apr 13 - 5:39 PM
Source: Louis Riddick on Twitter
Miami TE Clive Walford "could wind up landing in the late second round or early third," according to ESPN's Todd McShay.

Walford, suffering from a hamstring injury, was forced out of the athletic tests and ran a limited route tree at Miami's pro day. It wasn't all bad news, though. "He did a really nice job of catching the ball, displaying strong hands and the ability to pluck the ball on the run and away from his frame," McShay wrote. "That stood out."

Source: ESPN Insider
Apr 6 - 1:24 AM
NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Miami TE Clive Walford is a "combo tight end who can help a team in the running game and through the air."

Zierlein compares Walford to Dwayne Allen. "He lacks the elite athletic traits to be a game-changer at the position, but he is becoming a premium blocker," Zierlein wrote. "With teams looking for versatile tight ends to create matchups in two-TE sets, Walford's stock should be high." The analyst ranks Walford as the No. 2 tight end in the class. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Source: NFL.com
Mar 20 - 4:25 PM
NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said Miami TE Clive Walford is the clear No. 2 tight end.

Behind Minnesota's Maxx Williams, of course. Mayock added that there is no clear-cut No. 3 guy at the position. "After [Williams and Walford], what's your flavor?" Mayock said. The analyst likes Walford's combination of size, speed and strength. Measuring 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Walford's 4.79 forty was a little disappointing, but his 35 inch vertical jump and 120 inch broad jump were both good.

Source: NFL.com
Feb 21 - 2:21 PM
ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks Miami senior TE Clive Walford ahead of Michigan's Devin Funchess.

Walford checks in as Kiper's No. 2 TE, one spot ahead of Funchess. The pair, of course, follows consensus top-TE prospect Maxx Williams of Minnesota. "Walford was great in Mobile," Kiper wrote. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects Walford to run a 40-yard dash of around 4.65. On that note, Kiper wrote that the combine in Indy "will be important for [this tight end] group."

Source: ESPN Insider
Feb 2 - 11:30 PM
Miami senior TE Clive Walford was "very consistent as both a blocker and pass catcher, handling defenders at the line of scrimmage as well as making receptions down the seam" at the Senior Bowl, wrote TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline

"There was a lot to like about Walford's performance," Pauline wrote. "He's not a true vertical threat rather Walford possesses the skills necessary to be dependable in all areas of the tight end position for years to come." The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects the tight end to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65. The Guardian's Matt Rybaltowski wrote that his work in Mobile "could propel Walford into a spot late in the opening round." We don't agree with that, but Walford may have clawed into Day 2 amidst a weak TE class.

Source: philadelphiaeagles.com
Jan 29 - 5:34 PM
Miami senior TE Clive Walford "demonstrated quickness off the line and found ways to gain separation from defenders at the top of his routes" at the Senior Bowl, noted The Guardian's Matt Rybaltowski.

"He also showed toughness by playing through a toe injury on Saturday," Rybaltowski wrote. "Such efforts could propel Walford into a spot late in the opening round." The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects the tight end to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65.

Source: The Guardian
Jan 27 - 4:20 PM
Miami senior TE Clive Walford "has a chance to capitalize [on a weak TE class] by being one of the first ones to go off the board," according to ESPN's Todd McShay.

"Speed was a question mark entering this week, but he showed plenty of it to go with very good athleticism, size (6-4, 254 pounds) and ball skills," McShay wrote. "Moreover, he can hold his own as an inline blocker, adding to his versatility." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said last week that Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." The analyst was impressed with Walford's versatility and said he expected the TE to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65, which Mayock said would be "tremendous" for his size. Walford posted 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Source: ESPN Insider
Jan 26 - 10:51 PM
 
Rotoworld:

Miami senior TE Clive Walford "routinely drew praise from the Jaguars coaching staff for his routes, athleticism and ability to finish at the catch point," wrote CBS Sports' Dane Brugler.

"He has an easy release off the line of scrimmage with the route acceleration to threaten the seam and be a downfield target. Warford doesn't have an elite frame for the position, but he knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the ball and create mismatches down the field," Brugler wrote. "Warford entered the week in contention to be the No. 1 senior tight end drafted and he's only helped his chances of that happening through two practices in Mobile. He has looked 'as advertised' from his Miami game film." The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford, who could run the forty in the mid 4.6s, collected 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014.

Source: CBS Sports
Jan 26 - 8:26 PM
NFL.com's Charles Davis believes Miami senior TE Clive Walford "has a chance to be a complete tight end."

"No matter who was covering Walford this week, the tight end was making plays," Davis wrote. "Many people think he's the top tight end in this draft, and he showed why this week. He's excellent getting off the line of scrimmage and runs routes well. Walford showed off an arsenal of subtle fakes that leave defenders hanging in coverage, which allows him to gain a step and run. At 6-4, 258, I think he's big enough to handle blocking in-line." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said earlier this week that Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." The analyst was impressed with Walford's versatility and said he expected the TE to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65, which Mayock said would be "tremendous" for his size.

Source: NFL.com
Jan 25 - 1:05 AM
Scout's Inc. writes that Miami senior TE Clive Walford "got some ability as an inline blocker, has a wide strike zone and can really catch the football."

"He has great size at 6-4, 254 pounds, with long arms and big hands, and he was very productive this season," wrote Todd McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl. "The question for him was whether he had enough speed to succeed at the NFL level, but he ran well on Wednesday. He is the most athletic tight end here this week, and as teams have the chance to watch his tape, he could move up the board in an otherwise mediocre tight end class." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock called Walford "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." Walford posted 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Source: ESPN Insider
Jan 24 - 9:35 PM
Miami senior TE Clive Walford "showed he's healthy and continues to gain momentum following an impressive regular season," wrote NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein

"Despite missing Miami's bowl game after having surgery for a knee injury, Walford suited up and played well at this week's practices," Zierlein wrote. "Several scouts believe he will be one of the top two tight ends off the board in this year's draft. Walford was adequate as a blocker and looked athletic this week." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects the tight end to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season.

Source: NFL.com
Jan 24 - 12:49 PM
One NFC director of college scouting believes Miami's Clive Walford and Notre Dame's Brad Koyack are "head and shoulders" above the other senior TEs.

"Walford's knee injury doesn't bother me; he got in good shape this year and was just more confident in himself, which helped him cut down on the drops," the evaluator ran.. "He's a way tougher player than Koyack." An update on a previous report stated Walford did not tear his MCL but still had surgery on his knee. His consistency at the catch point is still a question. The tight end class will be weak even if multiple non-seniors declare.

Source: NFL.com
Thu, Dec 4, 2014 09:36:00 AM
 
Raiders selected Miami TE Clive Walford with the No. 68 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Walford (6'4/251) was a four-year starter for the 'Canes, amassing 1,753 yards and 14 TDs on 121 catches (14.5 YPR). He only dropped 2-of-58 targets as a senior, earning third-team All-American honors. Walford showed plus athleticism at the Combine, running 4.79 with a 35-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump. Walford has long arms (34"), was an excellent college blocker, and projects as an in-line player in the Dwayne Allen mold. Especially in Oakland alongside pass catcher Mychal Rivera, Walford will likely be a better real-life than fantasy tight end. May 1 - 9:50 PM


ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson says third-round TE Clive Walford will "get his chance early."
Williamson projects Walford as the Week 1 starter ahead of Mychal Rivera. Ultimately, we'll likely see a lot of two-TE sets featuring Walford in-line and Rivera in the "move" role. It's hard to get excited about either one from a fantasy perspective given Derek Carr's limitations and the team's desire to be run-heavy. May 14 - 12:40 PM
Source: ESPN.com
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/10471/clive-walford

good news about his work ethic: http://www.raiders.com/news/article-1/Clive-Walford-Not-Backing-Down-From-a-Challenge/e8fa265b-a425-44df-8ece-090f448be054

sounds like a guy with the upside to be a 3 down TE, but athleticism to be a receiver as well on a team with basically one other weapon and an unknown running game. Carr loves his check down and Walford could benefit.

"The Raiders are looking for dynamic, young offensive weapons," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "Oakland probably needed a guard more than a tight end when it picked at No. 68, but the idea of getting talent like the Miami tight end was too good to pass up. He is the all-time reception leader for Miami, a noted tight end factory that has produced the likes of Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow Jr., Jimmy Graham and Greg Olsen."
http://www.hngn.com/articles/93690/20150520/oakland-raiders-rumors-derek-carr-to-rely-on-clive-walford.htm

"We saw Clive as a complete tight end," said McKenzie following day 2 of the draft. "He's not only a receiver or a blocker type guy, he's a guy that's big and strong enough to pound it versus the D-linemen and he can flex out and run the routes and be that pass receiver. He's pretty much the total package when you're looking at a complete tight end. We didn't think he was one-dimensional."
http://www.silverandblackpride.com/raiders-draft-2015/2015/5/3/8538071/oakland-raiders-new-tight-end-clive-walford-touted-as-complete-package-dual-threat

 
It was a relatively weak TE class but I do like this guy long term. I've taken him in the third round of several rookie drafts. I don't expect much this year, but a year or so from now I think he could pay nice dividends.

 
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sorry Faust, I tried searching before I started thread on Walford. Not sure what happened. Hopefully, someone can combine the threads and fix th search function

 
Chris McClain ‏@ChrisMcClain Jun 11

For your daily Clive Walford update: another nice catch for a big gain in between linebacker and safety. Continues to impress this offseason
Bob Carr ‏@BobCarrNFL Jun 10 Oakland, CA

#Raiders rookie TE @clivewalford makes a nice catch across his body #minicamp #RaiderNation
Chris McClain ‏@ChrisMcClain Jun 9

#Raiders TE Clive Walford continues to be impressive. Once again made some nice plays today.
 
To me Warford is a similar TE prospect to Maxx Williams. I have them both as tier 2 prospects and considered them pretty close in talent.

Although I see Baltimore as a good situation that could lead to useful TE production soon I do not see the situation as much better than Warfords situation with the Raiders.

According to DLF ADP Williams is the 20th rookie while Warford is 40th.

Seems like a terrific buy opportunity right now as long as you can afford to commit a roster spot for a couple years to see how he pans out.

 
Think Greg Olsen CAR to find a comp that hits the mark. Clive has the all around skill set to be a valuable 3 down TE, with excellent hands, and a punishing blocker. He could easily push Rivera for playing time, and maybe even off the roster.

ETA: that's obviously high water mark stuff. I do realize Olsen is an all pro. But Walford is going to surprise I think.

 
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Rotoworld:

Raiders signed third-round TE Clive Walford to a four-year contract.

Walford was a four-year starter at Miami, displaying plus athleticism and strong hands. He should see immediate year-one snaps as the in-line complement to plodding "move" TE Mychal Rivera. Walford profiles as a blocker early on. He drew some Dwayne Allen comparisons in the pre-draft process.

Jun 16 - 4:25 PM
 
Don't understand Rotoworlds comments, Reece would be far better in a "move" FB/HB/slot type of role than Rivera

 
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Amari Cooper, Mario Edwards, Clive Walford could start for Raiders

Excerpt:

Why Clive Walford could start: Like at wide receiver with Cooper, the Raiders are looking for dynamic play at tight end. Last year's starter, Mychal Rivera, was serviceable. He had 58 catches for a 9.2 yard per catch average, but he was inconsistent and far from explosive. The Raiders looked at Cincinnati'sJermaine Gresham in free agency but a herniated disc injury scuttled those talks. So they focused on Walford early in the draft process and took the Miami product in the third round. Walford has been a standout in the offseason program. He has been smooth and has shown an ability to stretch the field. There is hope inside the Raiders' building that Walford can become an instant impact player and become the second best option for Carr behind Cooper early in his career. While Rivera will have a role, it will likely be as Walford's backup. If Walford is not already starting in Week 1, it shouldn't be too much longer after that.
 
Rotoworld:

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson said rookie Clive Walford has a chance to beat out Mychal Rivera for the starting tight end job.

Williamson wrote that Walford "appears to be more dynamic than Rivera" and "looks like he can make an immediate impact." Rookie tight ends almost never make an immediate offensive impact, so take this praise with a large grain of salt. Still, Walford's presence should prevent Rivera from matching the 99 targets he saw last season. Neither player is an enticing redraft option.

Related: Mychal Rivera

Source: ESPN.com
Jun 20 - 11:22 AM
 
Rotoworld:

Clive Walford - TE - Raiders

The Raiders want rookie TE Clive Walford to be a Week 1 starter.

Walford has a chance to unseat Mychal Rivera in training camp after impressing at OTAs. He’s reportedly looked better than Rivera in the passing game, but projects to get most of his snaps as an inline blocker. Walford remains unlikely to make a rookie-year impact.

Source: raiders.com
Jun 27 - 4:48 PM
 
Rotoworld:

Clive Walford - TE - Raiders

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson expects rookie Clive Walford to win the starting tight end job.

Walford reportedly outplayed Mychal Rivera in OTAs. He has a chance for heavy snaps as a rookie, but will be mostly asked to block as the inline starter. Walford isn't on the re-draft fantasy radar.

Source: ESPN.com

Jul 25 - 6:46 PM
 
Rotoworld:

ESPN's Adam Caplan says third-round TE Clive Walford will have a "significant role" in the Raiders offense this season.
A strained hamstring has kept Walford sidelined for the last few days, but he's expected back shortly. At that point, he'll continue his push on incumbent Mychal Rivera. Walford, someone to keep on watch lists as a potential in-season add, outplayed Rivera during the spring.
Related: Mychal Rivera

Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Aug 10 - 10:48 AM
 
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Rotoworld:

Clive Walford - TE - Raiders

Rookie TE Clive Walford (hamstring) still isn't practicing at Raiders camp.

We noted on August 21 that Walford had missed 12 of Oakland's 14 training camp practices to that point. He's missed everything in between, putting him at nearly three lost weeks. At this rate, Walford isn't going to be opening the season as a starter. He can be ruled out for the Raiders' third preseason game.

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Aug 26 - 9:28 PM
 
Bummer. Seems like door was wide open here and they were high on him. Gotta be a long shot to make any impact at all now.

 
Oakland Raiders' offensive line is doing the job:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/20150925/oakland-raiders-offensive-line-is-doing-the-job/1

Excerpt:

"We'd like to see more touches for everybody, but especially the tight ends," Musgrave said.

Walford, the team's third-round pick, was expected to seize a solid role, but the depth of the wide receiver group and his absence for most of training camp stalled that. Musgrave said he's making up for his lost time but still isn't 100 percent up to speed.

"He's making progress and getting into football shape after missing, really, the entirety of training camp," Musgrave said.
 
Raiders' Clive Walford is dual-threat tight end:

http://www.sfchronicle.com/raiders/article/Raiders-Clive-Walford-is-dual-threat-tight-end-6580426.php?t=7bf1592ca30a4808f6&cmpid=twitter-premium

Excerpt:

Well, this is more like it. After catching two passes for a total of 5 yards in his first four games, rookie tight end Clive Walford broke free in the Raiders’ last game.

It was just one catch for 33 yards, in the loss to the Broncos before the bye week, but Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio hopes it was the tip of the iceberg.

“Yeah, no question about it,” said Del Rio, whose 2-3 team plays the Chargers (2-4) in San Diego on Sunday. “I think he’s a guy that will begin to emerge more and more. You look at some of the young players that we’ve been working hard to bring along: Mario Edwards, Neiron (Ball), Clive.

“Some of these guys that have been growing here with us, developing. We’re going to count on them to be big contributors for the remainder of the season.”

Walford broke free across the middle and then made a defender miss after the catch on the 33-yard reception against Denver.

“Felt great,” Walford said, “to actually go out and make a play for the team.”

The third-round pick from Miami looked good in offseason workouts before dealing with both a hamstring and then a knee injury in training camp.

“It was tough mentally because I wanted to be out there so bad,” Walford said. “Watching my guys play without me was kind of bothering me. But the worst thing you can do is rush back and then have another setback.”

Walford (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) is seen as a combination of both a catching and a blocking tight end, whereas the coaching staff sees Mychal Rivera and Lee Smith, respectively, as one or the other.

Walford is “a good-size guy that is a very capable blocker, who is also a guy who has the athleticism to be a threat as a route runner,” Del Rio said. “So when you combine those things, you feel like he’s got a lot of upside in terms of being a complete tight end, a guy who can do a little bit of both.”

The plan was — and is again — for Walford to stretch the defense down the middle, and further complement new receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper in what is now the league’s 15th-ranked passing attack.

“He’s a big-play guy,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “We saw it in college. In big games, he made big plays.”

Carr added that it will be harder for defenses to double-team either Crabtree or Cooper the more Walford does.

“I think that stuff will open up for those guys,” Carr said.
 
Very smooth, looks like a jumbo WR. Almost included him as a throw-in recently in a couple trades...glad I didn't. This Raiders offense with Carr/Cooper/Crabtree/Walford has legs.

 
Does he have any value in redraft? I have Kelce on bye in two weeks and thinking of grabbing him as a fill-in (16-team league, so not much out there)

 
Agreed - the usage isn't there enough yet.

If you want to view a positive though, Walford's snaps have steadily increased while Rivera's and Smith's have steadily decreased over the last few weeks.

If Walford can continue to get on the field more vis-a-vis the other two TEs, his numbers may follow suit.

 
OAK - Clive Walford sees more time - Mon Oct 26, 06:18 PM

Oakland Raiders TE Clive Walford received a season-high 28 offensive snaps in the team's Week 7 game. Head coach Jack Del Rio said Walford will be more involved as the season goes on.

 
There was a comment during the game Sunday that Derek Carr apparently just gushes about him. Calls him a superstar in the making.

 
FGITLOTR said:
BeTheMatch said:
There was a comment during the game Sunday that Derek Carr apparently just gushes about him. Calls him a superstar in the making.
Picking him up in dynasty this week. Window of time will close quickly in the next month
I am as well. I drafted him really late, but he was a cut casualty when we had to trim rosters. Hope that doesn't bite me in the ###.

 
More dynasty than re-draft for me, although he could pay dividends late 2015.

chudzinski

shockey

winslow

olsen

graham

The above 5 guys all played TE at U of Miami. NONE of them have more receptions, yards or TD's then Clive. go get him.

 
Rotoworld:

The "plan" is for rookie TE Clive Walford to continue to become a bigger part of the Raiders' offense.
Coach Jack Del Rio spoke hihgly of Walford during the bye, and he came out and scored a touchdown in the Week 7 upset of the Chargers. Still, Walford was targeted just two times on the day and continues to split the minimal tight-end looks in the Oakland offense with Mychal Rivera. The passing offense still goes heavily through Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. Walford is barely on the TE2 radar in redraft, but a worthy stash in Dynasty leagues.

Source: Vic Tafur on Twitter
Oct 27 - 10:52 PM
 

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