The Raiders selected TE Clive Walford in the third round (No. 68 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, giving second-year QB Derek Carr another offensive weapon at his disposal.
With Rookie Mini Camp set to begin Friday, let's get to know Clive a little better.
- He's Been Recognized For His Work on The Field.
During his standout career at Miami, Clive earned a plethora of awards, especially after his senior year.
In 2014, he was named third team All-America (Associated Press), a 2014 Mackey Award Finalist, as well as second team All-ACC by both the coaches and the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA).
-Clive Comes From a Tradition of Great Tight Ends
Throughout Miami's history, they have continually produced quality tight ends who have gone on to have impressive NFL careers, and Clive hopes to be the next in line.
"We've got a great line of them, from Bubba Franks, Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen, Kellen Winslow, you name them," Walford said during a conference call with the media. "That's what we do, we build tight ends."
The Raiders selected 10 players in the 2015 NFL Draft.
WR Amari Cooper
WR Amari Cooper
WR Amari Cooper
DE Mario Edwards, Jr.
DE Mario Edwards, Jr.
TE Clive Walford
TE Clive Walford
G Jon Feliciano
G Jon Feliciano
LB Ben Heeney
LB Ben Heeney
LB Neiron Ball
LB Neiron Ball
DE Max Valles
DE Max Valles
T Anthony Morris
T Anthony Morris
WR Andre Debose
WR Andre Debose
CB Dexter McDonald, Jr.
CB Dexter McDonald, Jr.
-Gronk 2.0?
The former Hurricane didn't hesitate when asked if there was a tight end that he modeled his game after.
"Yeah of course," he said. "Rob Gronkowski from the Patriots."
Considering Gronk's productivity in the league the past few years, that's not a bad guy to model your game after.
-Clive is a Competitor
While he's not sure of what his role will be for the Silver and Black in 2015, Walford is determined to come to work every day and compete, as well as learn all he can from the veterans on the roster.
"I'm going to go out to Oakland and just compete," he said. "I'm not looking to go start right away. I'm going out there to learn from the veterans and take some of their advice, but you know I'm going to compete at the same time. If I win that starting spot, then that's all on God."
-He Can Do it All
Catching passes? Check. Blocking? Check.
After four years at Miami, Walford enters the NFL as a complete tight end, and that's why General Manager Reggie McKenzie was so excited he was still available when the Raiders selected in the third round.
