Buffalo Bills Draft Prospects: Clive Walford

As we move on to the next tight end in our view of the draft prospects that could be available to the Buffalo Bills when they draft at the 50th or 81st spot. As far as need, the Buffalo Bills are drafting primarily for depth purposes come this draft.

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Clive Walford is the next prospect that we will look at when it comes to tight ends available for the Buffalo Bills. Walford has a draft grade of a 5.51, which places him in a potential spot to be an NFL starter. Walford was a top performer in 3 events at the combine. He ran a 4.79 40 yard dash, had a 35.0 in vertical and had a broad jump of 120.0 inches.

Walford was selected to the senior bowl. Clive Walford had multiple receptions in 11 of his 12 games which also included a breakout game of 127 yards against the Florida State Seminoles. He is coming off of an injury to his meniscus, which he suffered in the final game, and while requiring surgery he did miss the bowl game that Miami was set to play in.

Some strengths and weaknesses for Clive Walford are…

"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.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.– NFL.com"

Walford is right now being projected to be drafted in the 3rd round. This could make him available for both of Buffalo’s picks, even though 1 is in the second but it may be too big of a leap to draft him that early, especially if there is an offensive lineman or a linebacker that may be higher on their board. He is being compared to Dwayne Allen as well.

The bottom line on Clive Walford is…

"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."

I like the idea of the two tight end sets, and creating match-ups and with Charles Clay already that number 1 tight end, Walford could be a guy that does come in and provide that extra blocking aspect for either the run or pass as well as a late leak for a dump off pass. He is coming off of an injury, so that would really be the only concern, because there is no guarantee at this point of how well he did heal from it and if there is a loss at all in his abilities and his potential.

If he is available at the 81st pick and they did not address the tight end position at 50 with Maxx Williams, he might be worth a look.

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