Clive Walford could be a pleasant surprise in 2018

The New York Jets lost a key free agent at tight end this offseason but brought in some new faces to keep pushing the envelope. Tight end Clive Walford could end up being a pleasant surprise this upcoming season.

Last year’s top tight end, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, decided to bolt via free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This left a void at tight end for the New York Jets but they added some new faces to the positional group.

Via free agency, the Jets brought in tight end Clive Walford and also drafted tight end Chris Herndon in this year’s draft. They’re also getting back Jordan Leggett who didn’t play at all last season due to a severe knee injury.

Out of the group, Walford brings the most experience but missed the majority of last season as well due to a severe concussion. The Raiders parted ways with him as the Jets are hoping that after he’s done rehabbing, he’ll return to being a key contributor on offense.

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Before last season, Walford was a player on the rise as he was the safety net to quarterback Derek Carr. Often times Walford would be clutch in 3rd down situations to keep those chains moving. Not known for being a major red-zone threat, Walford is very instinctive and goes above and beyond to extend plays.

If everything falls into place, Walford could be a pleasant surprise for the Jets and possibly emerge as their best option to start once training camp is over. Walford has averaged over his career 11 yards per reception which would be a nice dimension to have on offense. It’s expected the Jets will continue to incorporate the tight end position in 2018.

Overall, keep an eye on Walford throughout training camp since he has a big advantage over those around him in the positional group since he’s seen a lot in his career as he enters his fourth season in the NFL. For all we know, he could outperform everything Seferian-Jenkins did last season since he has the skill-set to deliver consistent results.