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Over the past several weeks, University of Miami TE Clive Walford is a player whom I've increasingly had my eye on. Now that Zach Miller has finally been released (a move I've anticipated for quite some time), I wonder if Walford would be one whom might become increasingly more attractive to Seattle in the draft. While the eyes of most of Seahawk Nation appear focused either on free agents Julius Thomas or Jordan Cameron ... or the flashy Maxx Williams out of Minnesota, Walford is a guy whom I believe could make some sense for the Seahawks in that 3rd to 4th Round range if he’s sitting there.
Though he ran a disappointing 4.79 forty at the combine, Walford showed intriguing athleticism as well, recording a 35 inch vertical and a 120 inch broad jump as well.
Back in January, Mike Mayock called Walford "the most explosive tight end in the 2015 draft."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...alford-most-explosive-tight-end-in-2015-draft
Kevin Weidl of Scouts INC absolutely loves Walford and what he brings to the table …
[youtube]beGSEYzHlyo[/youtube]
Walford had a great Senior Bowl, showing great consistency both as a blocker and a pass catcher. Throughout the week, he routinely handled defenders at the line of scrimmage and demonstrated that he could threaten defenses down the seam.
Here is NFL.com's breakdown of his game ...
Clive Walford Highlights …
[youtube]4bLnONf66R4[/youtube]
Highlight footage of his workouts at the combine (really show off his overall athleticism and receiving skills IMO) ...
http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/M...ghlights/2e29e5d9-4ccc-455e-8916-45a74793d7d0
How Clive Walford Could Make Sense For Seattle …
The Seahawks have shown time and time again an entirely different philosophy when it comes to player personnel decisions. They evaluate their team as a whole, ask themselves what they are missing, and then look for individuals out there who have attributes that can enhance their overall product. With Zach Miller now gone, the Seahawks are in need of a tight end who possesses both plus blocking and plus receiving skills. Walford has show signs that he could develop in to a premium blocker. For a team that values the running game and run blocking as much as Seattle does, solid run blocking at the TE position is a must. You couple all of that with the struggles this team had last year in pass protection it becomes crystal clear that finding a replacement for Miller has to rank right up there among this team’s top priorities. Walford also has solid receiving skills as well, showing an ability to run good routes, to beat press coverage, make contested catches, and gain yards after the catch. During his time at Miami, Walford played out wide, in the slot, and as an H Back, so could be used in a number of different ways in Seattle’s Offense. Seattle values guys who have unique skillsets and if Walford is sitting there at the tail end of the 3rd round, I would have to think that he’d be a consideration.
Thoughts?
Though he ran a disappointing 4.79 forty at the combine, Walford showed intriguing athleticism as well, recording a 35 inch vertical and a 120 inch broad jump as well.
Back in January, Mike Mayock called Walford "the most explosive tight end in the 2015 draft."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...alford-most-explosive-tight-end-in-2015-draft
Kevin Weidl of Scouts INC absolutely loves Walford and what he brings to the table …
[youtube]beGSEYzHlyo[/youtube]
Walford had a great Senior Bowl, showing great consistency both as a blocker and a pass catcher. Throughout the week, he routinely handled defenders at the line of scrimmage and demonstrated that he could threaten defenses down the seam.
Here is NFL.com's breakdown of his game ...
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/clive-walford?id=2552397Strengths
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.
NFL Comparison
Dwayne Allen
Bottom Line
A combo tight end who can help a team in the running game and through the air, Walford can be moved around the field. He lacks the elite athletic traits to be a game-changer at the position, but he is becoming a premium blocker. With teams looking for versatile TEs to create matchups in two-TE sets, Walford's stock should be high.
Clive Walford Highlights …
[youtube]4bLnONf66R4[/youtube]
Highlight footage of his workouts at the combine (really show off his overall athleticism and receiving skills IMO) ...
http://www.49ers.com/video/videos/M...ghlights/2e29e5d9-4ccc-455e-8916-45a74793d7d0
How Clive Walford Could Make Sense For Seattle …
The Seahawks have shown time and time again an entirely different philosophy when it comes to player personnel decisions. They evaluate their team as a whole, ask themselves what they are missing, and then look for individuals out there who have attributes that can enhance their overall product. With Zach Miller now gone, the Seahawks are in need of a tight end who possesses both plus blocking and plus receiving skills. Walford has show signs that he could develop in to a premium blocker. For a team that values the running game and run blocking as much as Seattle does, solid run blocking at the TE position is a must. You couple all of that with the struggles this team had last year in pass protection it becomes crystal clear that finding a replacement for Miller has to rank right up there among this team’s top priorities. Walford also has solid receiving skills as well, showing an ability to run good routes, to beat press coverage, make contested catches, and gain yards after the catch. During his time at Miami, Walford played out wide, in the slot, and as an H Back, so could be used in a number of different ways in Seattle’s Offense. Seattle values guys who have unique skillsets and if Walford is sitting there at the tail end of the 3rd round, I would have to think that he’d be a consideration.
Thoughts?