Clive Walford

Raiders looking to expand Clive Walford's role

The Oakland Raiders want to "expand Clive Walford's role going forward," ESPN's Adam Caplan reports.

What It Means:

The No. 68 overall pick of last year's draft, Walford zoomed past Mychal Rivera on the depth chart down the stretch, and now Rivera is reportedly on the trade block. Walford saw 39 of his 51 targets after Week 9, hauling in 28 passes for 329 yards and three touchdowns on the year. The Raiders clearly believe he's ready to take the typical sophomore leap for a tight end. Walford can block as well as catch and should see a major spike in the 447 snaps he played as a rookie. Oakland coach Jack Del Rio has called Walford a "complete" player.

Among tight ends with at least 40 targets last season, Walford ranked 16th in Reception Net Expected Points per target. On an improving Oakland offense, Walford may be a nice low-risk draft day bargain in 2016.