2015 NFL Draft Profile: TE Clive Walford

Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end

Clive Walford

of Miami (46) pulls down a pass during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Time for another NFL draft profile.

The exciting thing about the upcoming NFL draft, from a Jets fan perspective, is that it all is new. It’s not only a new GM and coach, it’s a new scouting department. History doesn’t give us a lot about what might happen in the draft, because this group doesn’t have any history.

So, we take a look at guys that have been associated with the Jets, via workouts, meetings ..etc., and see who they would fit. That is what we are doing today. The Jets met with this player at the NFL Combine, so we are looking at him today.

The spotlight is on Clive Walford, TE from the University of Miami.

Next: College Career

Jan 22, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad tight end Clive Walford of Miami (46) carries the ball during Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Here are Walford’s stats while at Miami:

SEASON

TEAM

REC

YDS

AVG

YDS/G

LNG

100+

2011 – Regular

MIA

172

9.6

17.2

2012 – Regular

MIA

451

18.0

37.6

2013 – Regular

MIA

454

13.4

37.8

2014 – Regular

MIA

676

15.4

61.5

Walford put in a career year in 2014, with seven touchdowns and 676 receiving yards. Playing four years in college is also a big deal, as he has 45 games of experience under his belt. That experience is at a big school like Miami, so we know that his competition is at top-level, for college anyway.

Next: NFL Combine

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

At the Combine, Walford measured at 6’4″, 251 pounds. His arms are large, measuring at 34 inches. He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.79 seconds, posted a 35 inch vertical jump, and a 120 inch broad jump. Here are the strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS: Becoming a very reliable blocker. Is tough enough and physical enough to be a play-side blocking tight end on zone runs. Bends and explodes from hips into his targets and sustains with a good base. Will drive smaller linebackers off the line of scrimmage in run game. Has lined up in-line, slot and as an H-back. Has the physical build and enough quickness to threaten the seam. Turns head and locates the ball quickly. Can make contested catches. Has NFL run-after-catch ability. At home in a physical matchup. Has long arms and big hands.

WEAKNESSES: Focus drops were a big problem for Walford from 2012-2013 (10 drops). Needs work in sinking hips into breaks. Will round off out routes and allow defender angles to break on the pass. Scouts say his play speed has been inconsistent and there are questions about what his timed speed will be. Not the same factor in run blocking when asked to play move-tight-end role.

Let’s go to the video tape.

Next: Film and Final Thoughts

I love the versatility of Clive Walford. You see him moved all over the formation, and NFL coaches are going to love that. He is also a diligent blocker, and a good one at that. The ability to block with serve him well in the NFL, and Clive Walford is strong. Walford is strong against his man, has good footwork, and drives his opponent through the play. That is great. He also catches the ball with his hands, which is a good sign.

I do see the “focus drop” issue mentioned on the previous page. There is one play over the middle on the tape that Walford should have made. Yes he got hit, but with a bit more focus he could have held on. That will need to improve, or defenders will get inside his head over the middle.

He projects as a second round pick. I see Walford’s value at the level, but I don’t know if he is right for the Jets at that point, with the other needs they have. Later? Maybe, but I would go elsewhere with the second round choice.

But Clive Walford can play, that’s for sure.

Next: Draft Profile: Brandon Scherff

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