The Oakland Raiders headed into the 2015 season with a belief that second-year quarterback Derek Carr could eventually develop into a franchise QB with just a little help. General manager Reggie McKenzie's offseason moves reflected that belief, with the free agent signing of Michael Crabtree and the first round selection of Amari Cooper. Both moves paid off as each wide receiver enjoyed a fantastic first season in Oakland. But let's not forget about third-round tight end Clive Walford.
Though Walford's rookie numbers don't jump off the screen - 28 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns - the young pass-catcher did showcase the athleticism and play making skills that may make him a favorite target of Carr's down the road. Raiders fans who left this past season disappointed with Walford shouldn't be; it's not as if other great tight ends enjoyed the most memorable rookie seasons. Jimmy Graham, Jason Witten and Antonio Gates all failed to top 40 catches, 400 yards and 5 TDs as first-year players.
Long story short: a breakout year could be coming for Walford in 2016.
"The second tight end selected during the 2015 draft, Walford spent most of his rookie season as a situational player behind blocker Lee Smith and incumbent receiving specialist Mychal Rivera," ESPN Fantasy Insider Mike Clay wrote. "The third-round pick's usage increased as the season went on, and he ended up handling at least four targets during each of Oakland's final five games. Walford failed to find the end zone during that span, but did score three times earlier in the season. A lock for a larger role in his second season, Walford will be a solid TE2 target with TE1 upside as Derek Carr's No. 3 option behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree."
The three Oakland tight ends mentioned above totaled 110 targets, 82 receptions, 679 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2015. Though Walford may not be targeted quite as much as the undisputed No. 1 tight end, he still has enough upside to merit fantasy consideration.
What's more, Walford will likely become a go-to option for Carr in the middle of the field, a security blanket for a young quarterback. We saw it a bit this past year, but expect Walford to take a step forward in 2016.
