Clive Walford 2015 NFL Draft scouting report

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Clive Walford

• Position: Tight end (TE)
• Class: Senior (RS)
• College: Miami (FL)
• Ht/Wt: 6'4", 254 pounds

Scouting Report

Clive Walford is a rare all-around tight end prospect that is already effective as both a blocker and a receiver, ready to become an instant starter for an NFL team with an opening in the depth chart.

He has good core power and blocking technique that allows him to open gaps in the running game and protect his quarterback. Walford was a big part of the holes being paved for Duke Johnson to run through each week. He isn't an elite athlete, but is above average all around - he was fast enough to make a touchdown-saving tackle on Virginia cornerback Maurice Canady following a blocked field goal. He has below-average height for a tight end, but with a thick build that helps him as a blocker.

As a receiver, Walford separates well and has a good understanding of zone coverages. With reliable hands and a strong approach at the point of the catch, he'll be very helpful to his quarterback - even without a Rob Gronkowski catch radius. Walford processes plays fairly quickly and always gives full effort on the field.

Grade

I think Walford is being grossly underrated by the general draft community. Dan Kadar, for example, ranks Walford as his 70th best prospect, which puts him squarely in the third round of the draft. I think Walford's skill set is simply too good to ignore, and he gets a first-round grade from me. I forecast him having a similar career to Heath Miller or Dustin Keller.