The Oakland Raiders are committed to surrounding quarterback Derek Carr with as many weapons as it takes to help him develop. It's why the team invested last year's No. 4 overall pick into wide receiver Amari Cooper, and it's why general manager Reggie McKenzie shelled out $34 million to keep Michael Crabtree after his bounce back season this past year. But people seem to forget 2015 third-round tight end Clive Walford when they discuss Oakland's improved offensive options.
It's understandable why Walford is overlooked; he caught just 28 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie year. Those numbers don't exactly get you excited. But on this team, Walford has a real shot at becoming an impact player and a go-to target for Carr.
"On tape, he flashed the ability to work the seam and fit in the Raiders' offensive scheme," ESPN NFL insider Matt Bowen wrote. "He's a moveable piece in Bill Musgrave's system, a tight end who can align in multiple spots to create some matchup issues for the defense. What's more, in Derek Carr, he works with a quarterback who can flat out sling the rock."
It's not uncommon for rookie tight ends to struggle with the transition from college to the pros. Antonio Gates, Jason Witten and Jimmy Graham all had forgettable first seasons in the league. But with a year of experience under his belt and impressive physical gifts, Walford could breakout in Year 2.
"At 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Walford has the size to box out safeties in coverage, work the middle of the field and produce in the red zone," Bowen continued. "Plus, with Musgrave's offense - which will operate out of the spread - Walford should be a weapon on run-pass options. That's where the seam comes back into play, given his ability to adjust to the ball."
The Raiders finished under .500 for the thirteenth consecutive season, and Carr's play dipped over the final half of the season. But with the trio of Cooper, Crabtree and Walford, Carr may develop faster than anyone had anticipated, and the Raiders offense could help them over the hump in 2016.
