Clive Walford to the Broncos Would Show Wisdom
By Brad James
Clive Walford is available after the Raiders released him. The Broncos would be wise to bring him into the fold. He won’t cost much and is effective.
The Oakland Raiders released TE Clive Walford Tuesday and it would show wisdom if the Broncos get him. Walford, a 6’4″ 253-pounder in his 4th year out of Miami (Fla.) has made vast strides already.
Pro Football Reference reports Walford has greatly improved in his catch percentage. In 2015, his rookie year, he caught 56% of passes thrown to him. In 2016, this increased to 63.5% and in 2017, this went to 69.2%.
If he continues on this trajectory, he should catch at least 74.5% of balls coming his way. Our blog boss, Sayre Bedinger, is bullish on him.
This makes a TON of sense for Denver. He excelled under Musgrave, and the #Broncos need a TE who has game experience. https://t.co/X5b1wgdGeY
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) March 27, 2018
If there’s a good tight end to be had, don’t think I will say “No.” I have a man crush on all tight ends, ever since I was in 3rd grade. My journal proves it.
No other players in football can do the things tight ends can do, in terms of blocking and receiving. If you have the opportunity to improve your team, why not do the little things behind the scenes?
I once learned an adage in my youth: by small and simple means, great things happen. Andrew Mason also likes him.
Loved Walford coming out of Miami in the 2015 draft … still some upside there, IMO. 61 receptions for 688 yards and six touchdowns in his first two seasons before going 9-80-0 with reduced reps in 2017. https://t.co/3pC8iYodEP
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) March 27, 2018
Who am I to refute these two great witnesses? Anyway, Walford seems to have a solid work ethic and has six receiving touchdowns in 70 games. For someone who was not the Raiders’ primary TE, that seems pretty solid to me.
Next: Broncos Updated 2018 NFL Draft Order
This is a great opportunity for the Broncos to make a sound pickup that won’t break the bank. With the salary cap so stringent, that seems the wisest course of action if you want to enhance your squad.
In any event, we shall see if the Broncos are proactive in trying to acquire him but it would be wise.