Why didn’t tight end Clive Walford develop into a consistent starter for the Oakland Raiders? What’s next for the former third-rounder?
Clive Walford came into the league as a high-potential receiving tight end during the 2015 draft. Three years later, the Oakland Raiders cut ties with the Miami product, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Walford recorded 70 catches for 768 yards and six touchdowns over three seasons with the Raiders but barely saw the field in 2017. He took a backseat to Jared Cook and Lee Smith during the previous campaign, playing just 130 snaps.
When looking at his game film over the past few years, it’s clear to see Walford struggled with in-line blocking. In addition to his shortcomings in that particular area, he suffered a knee injury due to an ATV accident during the 2016 offseason.
On the field, the third-rounder didn’t regain his form, per general manager Reggie McKenzie via The Athletic’s Vic Tafur:
Asked McKenzie if signing of TE Cook signifies they weren't happy with Walford. He said Clive was hurt & "wasn't same player last year" ...
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 28, 2017
Once Cook signed, it solidified Walford’s role as a second-tier tight end on the depth chart. The former led the team with 688 receiving yards. The latter caught nine passes for 80 yards in 13 appearances.
Head coach Jon Gruden briefly mentioned the importance of good blocking to elevate the ground attack, per Tafur:
Gruden said when Marshawn Lynch was at his best in Seattle, he had a FB and a blocking TE (Zach Miller). That's the plan here. Also mentioned Denver Kirkland as blocking TE possibility, along with Lee Smith, Carrier
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) March 27, 2018
The Raiders re-signed Lee Smith and acquired Derek Carrier, two tight ends known more so for their blocking technique than hauling in passes. In the big picture, releasing Walford coincides with Gruden’s comments and the team’s moves at the position.
Walford should garner interest on the open market from teams looking for a receiving tight end who can develop into a viable red-zone threat. The Seattle Seahawks lost tight end Jimmy Graham during the offseason and should emerge as a potential suitor. The 27-year old could also reunite with former offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave with the Denver Broncos.
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As for Oakland, Cook enters a contract year without dead money owed. Walford’s release doesn’t exactly clear the 30-year-old as a keeper for the year, especially if he suffers an injury during the offseason.
Perhaps McKenzie and Gruden consider a tight end with one of their four sixth-round picks. As for now, Cook leads the position on the depth chart with Smith, Carrier and Brown behind him.