THREE #‎proCane TDs were scored in Week 11 of the NFL!

#‎Dolphins RB Lamar Miller, #Raiders TE Clive Walford, #Jags WR Allen Hurns,

Lamar Miller’s TD extended the streak to 16 straight weeks a #proCane has scored a TD in the #‎NFL. Allen Hurns has now scored a TD in SEVEN straight weeks!

Clive Walford reeled in two of three targets for 18 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' Week 10 loss to the Vikings.

He did a nice job to secure his lone touchdown, keeping his feet in bounds for a 10-yard catch in the second quarter. The one missed connection was a drop that might have been influenced by a deflection. Walford has caught a touchdown in three of his last four games but only has seven receptions for 74 yards. Until his volume increases, he won’t be a fantasy option.


(rotoworld.com)

SEVEN #‎proCane TDs were scored in Week 10 of the NFL!

#Browns RB Duke Johnson, #‎Dolphins RB Lamar Miller (2), #Panthers TE Greg Olsen, #Raiders TE Clive Walford, #Jags WR Allen Hurns, #Colts RB Frank Gore.

Duke Johnson’s TD extended the streak to 15 straight weeks a #proCane has scored a TD in the #‎NFL. Greg Olsen’s TD was also the 500th reception of his career!

Walford caught one of his five targets for one yard and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

Although Walford only secured one-of-five looks, it was an important catch as he hauled in a one yard score on a day where the Raiders' offense picked apart the Steelers. The rookie tight end received more targets than either of the other two tight ends, which is a good sign moving forward. It looks as if Walford will continue to be a part of the passing game through the second half, and he should have a decent matchup at home against the Vikings next week.


(cbssports.com)

For six weeks, Clive Walford was trapped behind two other tight ends on Oakland's depth chart.

Those days ended when Walford tracked down a perfect touchdown pass from Derek Carr on Sunday, though.

"(Carr) snapped the ball and I saw the way the defender played it," Walford told Silver & Black Pride. "I felt like he was going to come at me, so I ran my route, cut back, saw the ball and knew I had to make a play on it."

So much for Walford's rookie grace period. He's reading defenses and adjusting like a 10-year veteran would.

The Raiders might be wise to anoint Walford as their future. They'd permit him to grow alongside Carr and wideout Amari Cooper into what could be a terrifying set of triplets.

That's the long-term plan, according to head coach Jack Del Rio. But that long-term plan might kick in this week.

Said Del Rio: "We think Clive's a good young football player that has a bright future who we want to develop him and grow him and have him be a big part of what we're doing."




(foxsports.com)

FOUR #‎proCane TDs were scored in Week 7 of the NFL!

#‎Jags WR Allen Hurns (1), #‎Dolphins RB Lamar Miller (2), #Raiders TE Clive Walford (1).

Allen Hurns’ game-winning TD, which was the fifth straight week he had a TD, extended the streak to 13 straight weeks a #proCane has scored a TD in the #‎NFL. Walford’s TD was the first of his NFL career!

Walford caught both of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Walford hauled in a 23-yard touchdown during the second quarter on Sunday which marked the first one of his NFL career. He was one of three tight ends to see at least two targets for the Raiders which still suggests that they will continue to split time moving forward. Walford was very highly touted entering the year and he'll likely be the long-term option, but he won't provide a whole lot of fantasy value as long as they are sharing time.


(cbssports.com)

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave plans to have rookie Clive Walford watch footage of a few other tight ends in the NFL this offseason.

That list will almost surely include San Diego's Antonio Gates, the eight-time Pro Bowl tight end who Walford will get a firsthand look at this week when the Raiders play the Chargers.

For now, however, Oakland's coaches only want Walford to focus on continuing to catch up with the rest of the offense after the third-round draft pick missed large chunks of training camp with a variety of injuries.

Walford showed he's getting close in the Raiders' Week 5 loss to Denver when he caught a pass from quarterback Derek Carr, broke a tackle and turned it into a 33-yard reception that set up Oakland's only touchdown of the day.

It was only one play but the Raiders hope it's the beginning of something more important.

''It felt great to actually go out there and make a play for the team,'' Walford said. ''It's a matter of being comfortable out there. By me making that play hopefully the coaches can see that I'm capable of doing big things and my snaps will increase.''

Oakland scored 64 points in back-to-back wins over Baltimore and Cleveland but has scored just 30 points in the two games since then. Some of the problems on offense have stemmed from opponents doing a better job of defending wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.

The Raiders' tight ends as a group haven't been much involved in the passing game. They've caught just 16 passes through five games, nine by Mychal Rivera. Lee Smith, the more accomplished blocker of the three, has four receptions while Walford has three.

Gates, who recently returned to the Chargers after sitting out the first four weeks while serving an NFL suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, has 18 catches in the past two games alone.

Musgrave, who is in his first season as Oakland's offensive coordinator, believes Walford could learn from watching tape of Gates. He just doesn't want his rookie tight end getting distracted by it now.

''During the season he's really focused on our side of the ball,'' Musgrave said Thursday. ''Our game plan . definitely in the offseason we have projects and we'll have projects where we can study guys to glean from their successes. Antonio Gates would be a very good candidate (to watch).''

While Smith is used primarily as an extra blocker and Rivera is the more polished receiver of the two, Walford is a hybrid of both. He's got the size (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) and strength to go against defensive linemen coupled with speed and reliable hands that helped Walford catch 121 passes for more than 1,700 yards in college.

Oakland coach Jack Del Rio fully expects Walford's role in the offense to continue to grow now that he's healthy.

''I think he's a guy that will begin to emerge more and more,'' Del Rio said. ''He's a good size guy that is a very capable blocker, who is also a guy who has the athleticism to be a threat as a route runner. So when you combine those things, you feel like he's got a lot of upside in terms of being a complete tight end, a guy who can do a little bit of both. Good to see him getting more involved and we'll continue to look for ways to do that.''


(foxsports.com)

Well, this is more like it. After catching two passes for a total of 5 yards in his first four games, rookie tight end Clive Walford broke free in the Raiders’ last game.

It was just one catch for 33 yards, in the loss to the Broncos before the bye week, but Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio hopes it was the tip of the iceberg.

“Yeah, no question about it,” said Del Rio, whose 2-3 team plays the Chargers (2-4) in San Diego on Sunday. “I think he’s a guy that will begin to emerge more and more. You look at some of the young players that we’ve been working hard to bring along: Mario Edwards, Neiron (Ball), Clive.

“Some of these guys that have been growing here with us, developing. We’re going to count on them to be big contributors for the remainder of the season.”

Walford broke free across the middle and then made a defender miss after the catch on the 33-yard reception against Denver.

“Felt great,” Walford said, “to actually go out and make a play for the team.”

The third-round pick from Miami looked good in offseason workouts before dealing with both a hamstring and then a knee injury in training camp.

“It was tough mentally because I wanted to be out there so bad,” Walford said. “Watching my guys play without me was kind of bothering me. But the worst thing you can do is rush back and then have another setback.”

Walford (6-foot-4, 250 pounds) is seen as a combination of both a catching and a blocking tight end, whereas the coaching staff sees Mychal Rivera and Lee Smith, respectively, as one or the other.

Walford is “a good-size guy that is a very capable blocker, who is also a guy who has the athleticism to be a threat as a route runner,” Del Rio said. “So when you combine those things, you feel like he’s got a lot of upside in terms of being a complete tight end, a guy who can do a little bit of both.”

The plan was — and is again — for Walford to stretch the defense down the middle, and further complement new receivers Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper in what is now the league’s 15th-ranked passing attack.

“He’s a big-play guy,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “We saw it in college. In big games, he made big plays.”

Carr added that it will be harder for defenses to double-team either Crabtree or Cooper the more Walford does.

“I think that stuff will open up for those guys,” Carr said.


(sfgate.com)

Raiders tight end Clive Walford caught one pass for four yards on two targets in Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Ravens. This was essentially the same line he put up in the Week 1 opener which certainly doesn't suggest that he'll be a major fantasy player any time soon.

Walford played only 20 snaps while Mychal Rivera soaked up 39, and it looks as if Rivera is the go-to option at least at the moment.


(cbssports.com)

Raiders rookie tight end Clive Walford caught one pass for one yard on two targets in Week 1's loss to the Bengals.

Meanwhile, Mychal Rivera caught one pass for four yards in the game, though it's tough to get a good read on how the Raiders truly plan to use their tight ends until QB Derek Carr is able to get a full game in.



(cbssports.com)

At this point of the summer, the Raiders were hoping that Clive Walford would have established himself as a key part of the offense.

The rookie tight end from Miami, touted by head coach Jack Del Rio as a “complete” tight end – capable of being a strong blocker as well as receiver – was projected by many to eventually win the team’s starting job.

Instead, Walford’s participation in practice and games has been stymied by what has been reported by ESPN as a hamstring strain.

That has left veteran Lee Smith – acquired from Buffalo – and Mychal Rivera as the team’s top two tight ends. Both have received plenty of work and look sharp.

Now, there is just one game remaining in the exhibition season, a Thursday night matchup in Seattle against the Seahawks, and roughly two weeks until Game 1 of the regular season, for Walford to make up for lost time.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave recently said that Walford’s missed practice and game time has been “significant.”

When Musgrave was asked if Walford would be ready for that season opener on Sept. 13 vs. the Bengals, he said, “That’s hard to answer.”

But Walford, a third-round draft choice, remains upbeat. This past Friday, he tweeted: “I’m good!!! No worries I’ll be ready.”

In the meantime, Smith – an outstanding blocker -- is now listed as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart, and Rivera has picked up where he left off last season, catching four passes for 61 yards through three summer games.

The Raiders would love to get Walford into action this week in practice and a game, if he’s healthy. At 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, he was a terrific receiver with the Hurricanes, catching 44 passes his final season. But even when he returned for a couple of practices in mid-August, Walford admitted he wasn’t up to speed, and Del Rio limited his practice time to guard against injury.

But the Raiders are invested in Walford for the long term. So far, this is just considered a minor bump on his long road.

“The bottom line is to have your horses make it to the race,” Del Rio told Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group in mid-August about Walford’s status. “I don’t try to win the Kentucky Derby on a donkey. So we’ll try and get our best guys to the finish line. It’s important for them to get the work, but it’s also important to have him healthy.”


(nbcbayarea.com)

We still don't know the exact injury holding back Raiders rookie tight end Clive Walford, but it kept him out of practice again Thursday.

Head coach Jack Del Rio recently insisted not to add any "drama" to his absence, but offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave admitted Thursday that it certainly hasn't been a positive for the Raiders.

"Missing Clive is significant for our team, for him personally," Musgrave said after practice Thursday. "It's given more opportunities to Brian (Leonhardt) and Gabe (Holmes), but the tight end group is doing a nice job for us."

While that's great for Leonhardt and Holmes, it's not exactly what the Raiders had in mind when they took Walford with a third-round pick back in May.

Walford did play in the Raiders' first preseason game and played well, catching two passes for 28 yards. However, according to RaidersBeat.com, he's been available just four days since training camp opened at the end of July. That's a big hurdle to overcome for any player, particularly a rookie trying to learn a new offense and adjust to the NFL.

The expectation was for Walford to be a versatile tight end in Oakland right from the start. With Mychal Rivera established as a pass catcher and Lee Smith brought in as a blocking specialist, Walford was considered an athletic, physical guy who could do a little bit of both at 6-foot-4, 258 pounds.

Instead, it's been primarily Rivera and Smith, with undrafted rookie Holmes and undrafted third-year player Leonhardt receiving extra reps. Although the Raiders would like to have Walford back in the mix, the presence of Rivera and Smith gives the team some stability at an important position while they wait for their rookie to recover.

"They're the glue that holds us together," Musgrave said of the tight ends. "They've got to do it all -- pass protect, run block and catch balls. Both Mychal and Lee, we know we can count on."


(oak.247sports.com)

Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford has been dealing with a hamstring injury. He's missed all but two training camp practices. Prior to the injury, the feeling around Raiders camp was that the rookie out of Miami would beat out Mychal Rivera for the starting job. That may no longer be the case if he doesn't get back on the field soon.

Walford was by the far the most NFL-ready tight end in this year's draft. He left The U as their all-time receiving leader for tight ends. He made a huge impression at OTAs, however, this is a setback. Hopefully he'll be back soon enough that it doesn't impact his early season snap count. He is currently going undrafted, nevertheless, he may be worth a late-round flier as a high-upside TE2. He certainly has the talent and skillset to put up numbers as a rookie.


(scout.com)

The Oakland Raiders had one of their new tight ends return to the practice field on Sunday and had another miss practice after his NFL debut as the team saw two players interchange injury status on a day where Rod Streater’s first practice appearance of camp stole the majority of the headlines in Napa.

Behind the attention of Streater’s return was the return of run blocking specialist Lee Smith, who signed with the team in free agency and missed Friday’s preseason home opener against the St. Louis Rams. Failing to get his first appearance while rookies Gabe Holmes and Clive Walford stole the show at tight end during the 18-3 win while 2014 starter Mychal Rivera received zero targets.

While Smith missed the preseason opener and Walford played in his first preseason game as a rookie, the third round pick was absent for Sunday’s non-padded practice. Walford missing practice after just returning last week from a hamstring injury in time to get on the field for Friday’s game against the Rams.

According to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, head coach Jack Del Rio didn’t confirm if Walford aggravated the hamstring injury that had him on the sidelines. Opting not to divulge on what had Walford away from the practice field after playing on Friday.

Luckily for the Raiders this August they have plenty of depth at tight end for practice snaps to be taken by other players as Smith, Holmes and Rivera all are eager to get as many opportunities to impress the coaching staff as possible. Walford hopefully has just a minor injury keeping him out for precautionary reasons, but after missing time for a hamstring injury the health of the rookie could be questioned as he has had struggles staying on the field throughout the Napa camp.


(justblogbaby.com)

Rookie tight end Clive Walford caught both targets for 28 yards. Christian Ponder completed his first pass for six yards to Walford, then found him for 22 yards two plays later.

Fantasy Impact: Rookie tight ends historically have a difficult time transitioning to the NFL. Walford should not be an exception. In addition, Mychal Rivera is listed as the starter so the fantasy value of both will be minimal.


(fantasypros.com)

NAPA — Clive Walford wasn’t bothered that Oakland coach Jack Del Rio pulled him out of the final 20 minutes of his first practice in training camp out of concern the rookie tight end might get fatigued.

After missing the first nine days with an apparent leg injury, the Raiders’ third-round draft pick understood Del Rio’s reasoning Tuesday.

“Coach is still trying to hold me back a little but it felt great to be out there with my teammates,” Walford said. “I thought I was in shape to actually run with the team but I was a little behind in that category. As practice kept going on, I picked it up.”

Walford broke almost every tight end record at the University of Miami and is expected to play a significant role in offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave’s first season with the Raiders.

The team hasn’t disclosed the nature or extent of the injury, but the training staff was cautious with him during his rehab.

Back on the field Tuesday for an evening workout, the 6-foot-4-inch, 250-pound Walford went through several individual position drills, took part in a handful of team scrimmage plays and also spent time working on special teams.

Walford did not finish an agility drill, spoke briefly with Del Rio then returned to take part in a half-speed goal-line drill before watching the remainder of practice on the sidelines.

“I thought we got a good amount of work where I thought there might be fatigue involved with a couple of the guys because they have not been working like the other guys,” Del Rio said. “I went ahead and pulled the plug on that last period or so.”

Walford has a lot of ground to make up.

Mychal Rivera, who was second on the team with 58 receptions, 534 yards and four touchdowns in 2014, has taken the majority of reps with Oakland’s first-team offense while undrafted free agent Gabe Holmes has handled the backup duties.

While his workload was kept to a minimum in his camp debut, Walford still make an impact. During one play in the team scrimmage period, Walford lined up on the left side then pulled to the right and stood up defensive lineman C.J. Wilson with a solid block.

That’s an aspect of Walford’s game that tended to get overlooked at Miami, primarily because it was overshadowed by his pass-catching ability.
The Raiders drafted him because he could do both.

“When I was at Miami because people said I couldn’t block, so I tried to prove people wrong,” Walford said. “I take blocking very serious. If you’re in my way, I’m just trying to roll over you. I like to put in the dirty work. Then after all that had work, the receiving and all that will come.”

Del Rio hasn’t said whether Walford will play in Friday’s preseason opener against St. Louis.

“He’s a football player that had a really good spring and we look forward to getting our hands on him and getting him to work,” Del Rio said. “We’d like to avoid that yo-yo process where he’s back and forth. Hopefully we let (the injury) settle down and we can put it behind us.”


(espn.com)

ESPN's Adam Caplan says third-round TE Clive Walford will have a "significant role" in the Raiders offense this season.

A strained hamstring has kept Walford sidelined for the last few days, but he's expected back shortly. At that point, he'll continue his push on incumbent Mychal Rivera. Walford, someone to keep on watch lists as a potential in-season add, outplayed Rivera during the spring.


(rotoworld.com)

The Raiders selected Miami tight end Clive Walford out of Miami in the third round of the draft last May. He was immediately inserted as the team's top tight end target and looked very good in OTA's and minicamp. Then while participating in the pre-camp warm-up, he suffered an undisclosed injury that has had him out all nine days of training camp this far.

Up to this point, head coach Jack Del Rio has maintained that he is not concerned and the injury is not major. He also said the same of Rod Streater who has been on the Non-Football Illness list all of camp.

Overall Del Rio has been pretty mum on the status of players who are not practicing. But today, he opened up a little bit about the status of Walford and Streater.

"No (setbacks)," said Del Rio. "Two different scenarios. With one (Streater) we're trying to determine exactly what we're dealing with with the Non-football (illness) situation and the other (Walford) is very close. It's two different situations."

In Sunday's practice, Walford was taking light passes with a trainer on the side which was a good sign as well. The Raiders have a day off tomorrow, after which it seems like a real possibility we could get our first look at Walford in practice on Tuesday.


(sliverandblackpride.com)

Rookie tight end Clive Walford spoke to the media Thursday at the team’s Napa Valley Training Complex.

Walford was impressive throughout the Raiders offseason program and spoke about the weight of expectations entering training camp, as well as the leadership ability of second-year quarterback Derek Carr.

IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK
Walford and the rest of the Raiders rookies, in addition to select players, were back on the field earlier this week taking part in pre-camp workouts.

The several days of work were important for Walford to prepare for the start of his first NFL training camp.

“It’s good to get out here and get our feet up under us, get the blood flowing and get the feel for it before the veterans get out here. It feels great.”

DEALING WITH EXPECTATIONS
Walford performed impressively during the team’s offseason program, and many are hopeful that he can turn into the dual-threat tight end that the Raiders have been searching for.

However, the rookie tight end isn’t letting outside expectations hinder his personal goals.

“I do have my personal goals and my personal expectations, but I’m just trying to get better. I won’t look too far ahead. That’s what training camp is for, to try to earn a spot on the roster and a starting job, and that’s what I’m aiming for.”

EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY
Since he was drafted, Walford has been busy both in the playbook and working on his craft on the field.

He’s also realizing the importance of every snap and repetition that he gets.

“You have to know your plays, and when your number is called you have to make plays and be able to be there and be available.”

THOUGHTS ON DEREK CARR
Walford has only spent a few months with the Raiders quarterback, but during their brief time together, Carr has made an impression on the former Miami Hurricane.

“A great leader. He reaches out to everybody. He tries to make sure everybody is doing the right thing and feeling good about themselves. He’s a great leader to me.”

ENERGY IS HIGH
Although only half the roster was eligible to participate in the team’s pre-camp workouts, Walford insists that the energy of the coaching staff was unwavering.

“I’d say it’s great energy because you know everybody is able to be themselves. The coaches are not so uptight. They’re really happy to be out here and excited. It’s good energy.”


(raiders.com)

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson expects rookie Clive Walford to win the starting tight end job.

Walford reportedly outplayed Mychal Rivera in OTAs. He has a chance for heavy snaps as a rookie, but will be mostly asked to block as the inline starter. Walford isn't on the re-draft fantasy radar.



(rotoworld.com)

Oakland's best fit: TE Clive Walford, Miami, No. 68 overall

It isn't surprising that all of the buzz on rookies following the Oakland Raiders' OTAs and minicamps was dedicated to No. 4 overall pick and reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Amari Cooper. After all, among all of the players at his position available in the 2015 NFL draft, he offered the greatest combination of size, speed and polish after starring in a pro-style offense for a powerhouse against elite competition.

Fortunately for the Raiders (and too often overlooked by media and fans) is that Walford, the Raiders' third round pick, checks off all of these boxes, as well.
Cooper (more on him later) was drafted to start immediately. Barring injury, he's a virtual lock to lead Oakland in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in 2015. Walford offers more athleticism and grit as a blocker than incumbent starting tight end Mychal Rivera, who finished second to since jettisoned wideout James Jones among all Raiders' pass-catchers last season.

Like Cooper, Walford is a naturally gifted athlete with prototype size (6-foot-4, 251), agility and soft hands. Also like Cooper, Walford showed an impressive work ethic in college to take full advantage of his traits, steadily improving in his conditioning, blocking at the point of attack, route-running and in cleanly catching the ball. He left Miami as the school's all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards among tight ends, which is quite the accomplishment given that standouts Jimmy Graham, Greg Olson, Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Jeremy Shockey preceded him over the past 20 years.

It isn't just the production and traits that cause Walford to stand out, however. He is a particularly intriguing in Oakland's new up-tempo offense because of his versatility and upside. He lined up as a traditional in-line tight end at Miami, as well as playing on the move or even out wide. That's the kind of flexibility new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was used to seeing while operating as the quarterback coach for Chip Kelly in Philadelphia. Further, given that Walford only played one year of high school football, it is a testament to his football I.Q. and work ethic.

"We saw Clive as a complete tight end," general manager Reggie McKenzie said after the Raiders selected him. "He's not only a receiver or a blocker-type guy only. He's a guy that's big and strong enough to pound it versus the D-linemen, and he can flex out and run the routes and be that pass receiver."


(cbssports.com)

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson said rookie Clive Walford has a chance to beat out Mychal Rivera for the starting tight end job.

Williamson wrote that Walford "appears to be more dynamic than Rivera" and "looks like he can make an immediate impact." Rookie tight ends almost never make an immediate offensive impact, so take this praise with a large grain of salt. Still, Walford's presence should prevent Rivera from matching the 99 targets he saw last season. Neither player is an enticing redraft option.


(rotoworld.com)

With the signing of 3rd round Draft pick TE Clive Walford, the Raiders are now one Draft pick away from having their entire 2015 Draft class under contract.

“Feels great, a little bit of an accomplishment. This is only the beginning,” Walford said. “I’m trying to do what I did at Miami; I’m trying to leave a legacy. When I’m done playing this sport I just want people to remember my name.”

Walford has been turning heads in Mini-Camps and Organized Team Activities and has lived up to the billing that he’s faster than he times.

“I’d say I have game speed, playing speed. It didn’t really show up at the Combine, but when the ball is snapped, I just change my speed and play with a burst,” said Walford during a recent press conference.

DE Mario Edwards, Jr., is the Raiders only unsigned selection from the 2015 NFL Draft.


(raiders.com)

Third-round pick Clive Walford, a tight end out of Miami, has made an immediate impact with backup quarterback Christian Ponder and third-stringer Matt McGloin.

The Raiders knew Walford could go up and get the ball and had the size to hold his own as an in-line blocker. What defenders have learned is Walford's functional speed is better than he shows in a 40-yard dash.



(contracostatimes.com)

Rookie TE Clive Walford spoke to the media Tuesday, following the team’s practice session.

The former Miami Hurricane has been impressive during the offseason and is looking forward to continuing his football education in Silver and Black.

Here are the highlights from his time behind the microphone.

He Won’t Back Down From a Challenge
Adjusting to the NFL game has proven to be a challenge for the rookie, but it’s a challenge he’s not backing down from.

“It’s a challenge. I’m up for it, though. It’s a lot of plays that I have to learn and a lot of different positions that I have to acquire.”
He Sees Some Familiar Offensive Aspects

“Pretty similar to what we did in Miami [Fla.]. I lot of tight end-friendly stuff. It’s just a lot of roles that I’ve got to understand and get the knowledge of.”

Work Doesn’t Stop When he Leaves the Facility
Walford has a lot to do to prepare for his rookie campaign in Silver and Black, and just because he’s done in the facility doesn’t mean his work for the day is done.
“I mean, 30 [minutes] to an hour at night, just going over my plays, looking at my iPad, testing myself. Every day since I’ve been here, I’ve been doing that every night.”

He’s Faster Than You Think
“I’d say I have game speed, playing speed. It didn’t really show up at the Combine, but when the ball is snapped, I just change my speed and play with a burst.”

He Takes Pride in his Blocking
“I love it, because people don’t really respect blocking, blocking tight ends, and I take a lot of pride in blocking. I take a lot of focus when I’m out there. I try to make sure I have the right hand placement and am taking the right foot steps and what not to make myself successful in the run game."


(nfl.com)

The Oakland Raiders hope their third-round pick, tight end Clive Walford, can make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Walford, taken No. 68 overall, will have a chance to be a contributor right away. With a strong training camp and preseason, I wouldn't be shocked if Walford had a chance to unseat third-year starter Mychal Rivera. Rivera has 96 catches in two seasons, but Walford has a chance to be more dynamic.

Walford is the all-time reception record holder at Miami, a school that has been a tight end factory. Five tight ends have been drafted since 2000 from the school who have made an impact in the NFL. Let's take a look at each of their rookie seasons to guage perhaps what to expect from Walford in 2015 (see chart).

Summary: Most of these players took off in their second or third years. I could see Walford getting in the 40-50 catch range this season. If he develops quickly, he could thrive in the fast-pace offensive scheme of new coordinator Bill Musgrave. Walford can stretch the field and quarterback Derek Carr has the arm to find him. It is too soon to say Walford will have the NFL career impact that his recent Hurricane brethren has had, but I can easily see him rival the rookie season all but perhaps the one Shockey delivered.

Impact Miami Tes In Their First Season

YEAR	PLAYER	ROUND	CATCHES	YARDS
2000	Bubba Franks	1	34	363
2002	Jeremy Shockey	1	74	894
2004	Kellen Winslow	1	5	50
2007	Greg Olsen	1	39	391
2010	Jimmy Graham	3	31	356

(espn.com)

ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson says third-round TE Clive Walford will "get his chance early."

Williamson projects Walford as the Week 1 starter ahead of Mychal Rivera. Ultimately, we'll likely see a lot of two-TE sets featuring Walford in-line and Rivera in the "move" role. It's hard to get excited about either one from a fantasy perspective given Derek Carr's limitations and the team's desire to be run-heavy.


(rotoworld.com)

Third round pick Clive Walford is a pretty imposing target at tight end. He is listed at 6-4, 251 which puts him around the same height as several linemen, just 50 pounds lighter. He got the number 88 with the team cutting Nick Kasa. Walford looked fluid as a receiver, as advertised.




(silverandblackpride.com)

This wasn’t considered a good NFL draft class for tight ends, but it could be argued the Raiders selected one with the potential to be an impact player in the third round.

That’s when Oakland took the University of Miami’s Clive Walford with the 68th overall choice in the three-day draft that concluded this past Saturday.

Walford came to Miami as what the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post described as a “gangly former basketball player who took up football full time as a high school senior.” But over his time at Miami, Walford improved his size and strength – he’s now 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds – and finished as Miami’s all-time leader among tight ends, with 121 catches for 1,753 yards and 14 touchdowns.

And remember: Miami has produced some great NFL tight ends, including Jimmy Graham, Kellen Winslow and Greg Olsen.

Now Walford will compete with incumbent Mychal Rivera, who’s proven to be a reliable receiver, for the starting job. He’ll also team with Rivera and free-agent veteran acquisition Lee Smith, a strong and proven blocker from the Buffalo Bills, to give the Raiders plenty of options in different sets and circumstances. In 2014, the Raiders were notably thin at the position.

Walford had a solid senior season at Miami, where he earned third-team All-America honors with 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven TDs, then turned in a very good week at the Senior Bowl, where he caught the notice of many scouts.

Said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, after Walford’s Senior Bowl experience: “He showed his athleticism. I think he’s a nice combination of size, good speed, strength, run-after-catch, has movement skills.” Mayock also noted Walford’s 34-inch arms, which give him “a nice throwing radius for a quarterback.”

Mel Kiper Jr., the longtime NFL draft analyst for ESPN, said Walford was the first or second best tight end available in the draft.

New Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio calls Walford a “complete tight end,” meaning he’s equally adept as a receiver and blocker. And general manager Reggie McKenzie said he believes Walford has big potential.

“He’s not only a receiver or a blocker-type guy,” McKenzie told the media. “He’s a guy that’s big and strong enough to pound it versus the D-linemen and he can flex out and run the routes and be that pass receiver. He’s pretty much the total package.”


(nbcbayarea.com)

NFL.com‘s Lance Zierlein says Walford has been hurting his stock throughout the interview process.

You know who turned just about everybody off w/ his attitude at the combine and in individual meetings? Clive Walford, that’s who. (1/2)

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 25, 2015

(2/2) NFL TE coach said of Walford: “Acted like he was doing us a favor by even talking to us. Asked about an issue he had & he got pissy"

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 25, 2015

University of Miami tight end Clive Walford had a predraft meeting with the Ravens, according to NFL sources.

Walford dominated Senior Bowl practices, especially in red-zone drills. He is the second-ranked tight end in the draft, behind University of Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams. He's generally graded as a second-to-third-round draft pick.

The Ravens are in the market for a tight end due to tight end Dennis Pitta's uncertain status. Pitta has dislocated and fractured his right hip twice in the past two seasons.

Walford ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds at the NFL scouting combine during which he also bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times, had a 35-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot broad jump.

The 6-foot-4, 251-pound tight end was a second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection and a third-team All-American last season. He was a finalist for the John Mackey award.

Walford tore his meniscus and missed the Hurricanes' bowl game.

As a junior, he started every game and caught 34 passes. He caught 25 passes for 451 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore.

Walford didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school. He averaged 13 points and 15 rebounds per game as a basketball player at Glades Central in Palm Beach, Fla.

“I have a great ability to jump,” Walford said at the combine. “In the red zone, I use my body and my jumping ability to go up over the top of defenders and grab the ball. I am the best tight end in this draft because I can block, I can catch, I can run after the catch, do everything that a tight end is expected to do.”

Walford caught 121 career passes and scored 14 touchdowns.

He had combine meetings with the Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.

There are some questions about his consistency, though.

Walford showed he was healthy at the Senior Bowl after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right meniscus.

"It was very important because I was told that people thought I tore my medial collateral ligament, which I didn't," Walford said. "I just had a scope on my right meniscus. I just wanted to go out and show everybody that I was healthy."


(baltimoresun.com)

It’s likely that Ereck Flowers will be the first Hurricanes player chosen in the NFL draft, which begins April 30.

It’s clear the Carolina Panthers, who own the 25th pick, really, really like him.

Flowers, the 6-foot-6, 324-pound offensive tackle who left UM after his junior season, fills an immediate need for the Panthers on the right side and could eventually move to the left side. He interviewed with Carolina at the NFL combine, visited the team and worked out for top brass. The team also sent several representatives to watch him at the Hurricanes’ April 1 pro day. The Charlotte Observer even flew their beat writer to do a profile on him (though as usual, Flowers didn’t talk).

If he’s available when Carolina picks, he’ll probably join Cam Newton and Kelvin Benjamin. But several analysts think he might not be.

In the slew of mock drafts we found online, Flowers is slotted as high as No. 9 overall. FoxSports.com’s Peter Schrager has him going at that spot, to the New York Giants.

Click here to read what Schrager, who has no other Hurricanes in his two-round mock, wrote about Flowers as well as the rest of the proCane potential draft picks by Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post!


(palmbeachpost.com)

Name: Clive Walford
Position: Tight End
School: Miami
Height, Weight: 6-4, 254
Positional Rank: 2
Projected Round: 2

Clive isn’t the fastest tight end in the draft. He’s not the strongest nor the springiest. His numbers for his senior season at Miami (44 catches, 676 yards, 7 TD) are nice but not spectacular.

And although Clive isn’t expected to have his name called in the first round this May, he is still regarded as a consensus top-two tight end prospect by most media outlets and would appear to be a nice fit in Dolphins aqua, aiding Ryan Tannehill in the middle of the field. Walford’s 40 time (4.8) may not tickle the average fan’s curiosity but the advanced metrics support Clive’s cause, as we learned via College Football Focus.

Walford ranked first among all draft-eligible tight ends in Yards Per Route Run (3.26), Yards Per Route Run vs. Power 5 Teams (3.38) and Slot Performance. NFL.com considers him a “very reliable blocker” with “NFL run-after-catch ability.” Watching his game footage, the sticky hands and sensational body control stand out and his beard represents a poor man’s James Harden.

Will the Dolphins (who have a pick in the first and second round but not the third) keep Clive in South Florida?





(miami.cbslocal.com)

Miami TE Clive Walford is a multidimensional NFL weapon, posits ESPN's Louis Riddick.

"Walford going to give NFL defenses problems in 1 on 1 coverage in the [middle of the field] and in the seams," Riddick wrote. "And... he will compete as a blocker." Walford hasn't been able to show his stuff for scouts much this offseason while recovering from a hamstring injury, but he shows plenty on tape. We agree with Riddick's take, and see a Day 2 pick in a weak TE class.


(rotoworld.com)

Miami TE Clive Walford "could wind up landing in the late second round or early third," according to ESPN's Todd McShay.

Walford, suffering from a hamstring injury, was forced out of the athletic tests and ran a limited route tree at Miami's pro day. It wasn't all bad news, though. "He did a really nice job of catching the ball, displaying strong hands and the ability to pluck the ball on the run and away from his frame," McShay wrote. "That stood out."


(rotoworld.com)

In front of reps from all 32 NFL teams, the unquestioned star was receiver Phillip Dorsett. He blazed his way to an unofficial 4.25-second 40-yard dash after running an already-excellent 4.33 at the NFL combine in February. He could have settled on that time and simply performed pass-catching drills for NFL scouts, but Dorsett wanted to put on a show.

“It was just me and my competitive spirit just coming out here and doing everything,” Dorsett said. “Because I know everybody wants to see it. Everybody likes to see a guy go out and compete and do everything.”

Dorsett, who measured in at 5-foot-10 and 184 pounds, said he improved his vertical to 38 inches (he leaped 37 at the combine) and bench-pressed 225 pounds 13 times (he did not lift at the combine).

For me, the star of the day was Phillip Dorsett,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “A kid who didn’t have to do anything because he performed so well at the combine. What did he do today? Comes out runs a 4.25, 4.26, jumps 38 inches, 10-9 broad [jump], and then looked fantastic catching the football and getting in and out of breaks. I thought Phillip Dorsett had an outstanding day.”

Dorsett will work out for the Dolphins, Panthers and Falcons. What if the hometown chose him?

“Being a Hurricane and I always was a fan of the Dolphins, too,” said Dorsett, from Fort Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas. “It would be great. It would be a dream come true,” he said.

* Linebacker Denzel Perryman suffered a pulled right hamstring and scratched on his second attempt at running the 40-yard dash. UM did not release official testing results to the media, but according to a group of scouts that got together and compared times, Perryman’s first heat in the 40 was a 4.67 — better than the 4.78 he ran in Indianapolis.

He did not perform in the shuttle, 3-cone and positional drills. He said not being able to finish was “real disappointing, but I think a lot of teams just wanted to see what I could run. I feel I accomplished that today. I answered a lot of questions.”

He said he measured in at 5-11 and 239 pounds and put up 30 reps of 225 pounds. He increased his vertical from 32 (combine) to 33 inches.

Perryman watched film with the Lions hours before pro day began and has three NFL team visits lined up: he will meet with the Dolphins next Thursday, the Falcons on April 12 and the Panthers on April 16. Along with Clive Walford and Dorsett, he ate dinner with Saints brass Tuesday night at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Coral Gables. Perryman said he ate shrimp and scallops (Rob Ryan had a steak, if you were wondering).

* Running back Duke Johnson ran a 4.47 twice, which was a much better result than his combine time (4.54). He also “caught the ball naturally,” according to Mayock.

Why run the 40 again? “I wanted to do it for myself, because I know I can do better, and I know I train too hard to run what I ran at the combine,” he said, adding that his “game speed speaks for itself. … If you run 4.2, 4.3 but you don’t play it, it really doesn’t make a difference.”

Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey agreed.

“When we watch guys play with helmets and shoulder pads, those are the important things,” he said. “Those guys that play fast and also run fast, that’s great. The importance is the speed they play at.” The 40 time is “a measurement — you always judge it against how they play.”

Johnson, who measured in at 5-9 and 203 pounds, said he did 18 reps of 225. He did not lift at the NFL combine.

Tight end Clive Walford did not run because he suffered a hamstring pull last week. Walford (6-4, 250) said he would meet with the Steelers after pro day and the Falcons and Packers in the coming days. He said he has talked to a laundry list of teams, including the Dolphins, Saints, Falcons, Packers, Broncos, Chargers, 49ers, Ravens, Chiefs and Buccaneers.

Walford, a Glades Central grad and South Bay native, on the hometown team: “I talked to them. I wouldn’t say a lot, but I saw that move that they made this offseason. Shout-out to the Dolphins.” He’s talking, of course, about the Fins adding Ndamukong Suh.

Is UM’s tight end tradition helping his draft stock? “We produce great tight ends,” he said. “Look at the history. We’ve got great ones to come. I feel I kept up that legacy. Hopefully the young ones do as well.

* Offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, a projected first-rounder, did not perform lifting drills – he was the top overall bench-presser at the NFL combine, with 37 reps of 225 – but did everything else. Flowers did not speak to the media (he rarely does).

Mayock was very high on Flowers, Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott‘s performances.

“I counted eight to 10 offensive line coaches, obviously here to see mostly Ereck Flowers, who I think is going to be a first-round draft pick,” he said. “But Feliciano could get drafted. Shane McDermott could get drafted. I thought it was a great day for that whole group of players.”

* Defensive end Anthony Chickillo, who looked even lighter than he did at the combine (when he measured 6-3, 267), looked like a much more explosive player than he was as a 280-pound strong-side defensive end at UM. “Very twitchy” was Walford’s assessment. “Quick. Fast.”

* Quarterbacks Ryan Williams and Jake Heaps threw a variety of routes for scouts. Williams said he checked in at 6-4 and change and 215 pounds, and ran a 4.84 in the 40. Before tearing his ACL last April 4 – 362 days ago – he said he ran in the 5-second range. He definitely looked a lot faster than before. He has several meetings scheduled, but has not worked out with an NFL team.

“I’m always positive,” Williams said. “Regardless if I get drafted or not I’m still going to get a chance somewhere so I’m not really worried about the draft.”

* Cornerback Ladarius Gunter ran a solid 4.56 time in the 40 and looked very rangy in coverage drills.  He’s projected as a mid-round pick.

* Linebacker Thurston Armbrister showed good speed and agility, though he struggled to catch interceptions in drills. Would bet he gets a shot somewhere.

* Defensive tackle Olsen Pierre ran a 5.15 in the 40.

* If you saw my Twitter feed, you’ll get a roll of NFL personnel I spotted, but among the notables were a large contingent of Dolphins personnel (GM Dennis Hickey, VP Mike Tannenbaum, head coach Joe Philbin, offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle, running backs coach Jeff Nixon, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi), Jets head coach Todd Bowles, Saints head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. NFL Network said seven GMs attended, including Hickey. The others: Mickey Loomis (Saints), Mike Maccagnan (Jets), Kevin Colbert (Steelers), Doug Whaley (Bills), Steve Keim (Arizona), Ruston Webster (Tennessee) and Floyd Reese (Giants). Former Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland, now a college scout with New Orleans, was also there.

* Former Hurricanes who attended included Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Edgerrin James, Demarcus Van Dyke, Jacory Harris, Lamar Miller and Tommy Streeter. A slew of players from the 2012 and 2013 teams were there. Jonathan Vilma was also in attendance, working for NBC Sports along with former Dolphins great Jason Taylor. NFL Network had a five-person crew and analyst Mike Mayock interviewed several UM players and coach Al Golden, who did not speak to other media.

* Former Hurricanes running back Damien Berry, a Glades Central grad who won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2012, was the oldest of several pre-2014 Hurricanes who worked out (linebacker Tyrone Cornelius and defensive end Shayon Green, both from the 2013 team, also performed).  “I’m still young, 26 years old. I think it’s time to give it another shot,” said Berry, who last played for UM in 2010 and now lives in Boca Raton. Berry, 5-11 and 230 pounds, he said he ran a 4.7 in the 40.


(palmbeachpost.com)

ESPN NFL Nation's James Walker reports that Miami TE Clive Walford plans to meet with the Steelers' brass on Wednesday "and will meet with the Dolphins and other teams before the draft."

The Miami prospect flashes decent athletic traits with the ability to be effective in both, the running game and the passing game. As as pass catcher, Walford has recorded 121 receptions and 14 touchdowns in his time with the Hurricanes. The 6-foot-4, 258-pounder will be targeted by teams looking for a versatile pass catching TE who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty blocking. Walford has the kind of skill set that should cause mismatches in the red-zone, and should be off the board in the second round of the draft.


(rotoworld.com)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are searching for Heath Miller's eventual replacement, and the University of Miami (FL) tight end Clive Walford is someone they have their eye on. Head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert were both on hand for the Hurricanes' pro day Wednesday and interviewed the tight end following his workout.

Walford delcared himself as "the best tight end in the draft" while interviewed at the NFL Scouting Combine, and his workout certainly helped bolster such an opinion. For Walford's size (6-foot 4-inches, 251 pounds) he moves extremely well. Walford ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the combine, and is considered one of the better two-way tight ends coming out of the 2015 NFL Draft in terms of pass catching and blocking abilities.

Walford caught 44 passes for 676 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2014 for Miami and was a Mackey Award finalist for the best tight end in college football.

The Steelers drafted Rob Blanchflower in 2014, and the rookie spent the year on the practice squad, but the team isn't deep at the tight end position. Other than Miller and Blanchflower, the team re-signed Matt Spaeth to a two-year contract, and the only other tight end on the roster is Michael Egnew who has limited NFL experience.

Experts are projecting Walford to possibly be drafted as early as the second round. With the Steelers having glaring deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball, taking a tight end in the second round would certainly come with a great deal of criticism.


(behindthesteelcurtain.com)

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Scouts, coaches and general managers representing all 32 teams were in attendance for the University of Miami's pro day on Wednesday. However, two of the big names people came to see -- linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end Clive Walford -- were limited for different reasons.

Perryman suffered a leg injury during his second 40-yard dash attempt and that knocked him out of the remainder of drills. Walford did only receiving drills after suffering a recent hamstring injury.

However, both players did well in their limited time. Walford caught the football well and showed a glimpse of why some scouts think he's the top tight end in the draft. Perryman improved on his 40 time from the NFL combine. The linebacker said he ran an official 4.56 on his first attempt before the injury and did 30 reps of 225 pounds.

"Yeah, it's real disappointing," Perryman said of the injury. "But a lot of people just wanted to see what I can run, and I feel I accomplished that today and answered a lot of questions."

Walford said he thought about running the 40-yard dash despite not being 100 percent because of all the NFL representation on campus today. But he ultimately decided against it and caught passes.

Walford is confident he will do well at the next level.

"We produce great tight ends," Walford said of the Hurricanes. "And we got great ones to come."

Both Perryman and Walford are projected to be second-round picks with the potential to climb to the bottom of the first round with good workouts and interviews. The Miami Dolphins have shown interest in both players. According to Perryman, the Dolphins will have a meeting and workout with him April 9-10. Walford also said he's meeting the Dolphins before the draft.


(espn.com)

Who to watch: Offensive tackle Ereck Flowers will headline a talented group of Miami players on Wednesday in Coral Gables. Flowers recorded 37 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine, the most of any player, and is projected to be a first-round pick. Wide receiver Phillip Dorsett was expected to be in the running for the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine, but he finished in third with a 4.33. Dorsett has been clocked as fast as 4.18.

Also keep an eye on: RB Duke Johnson, TE Clive Walford, LB Denzel Perryman, DE Anthony Chickillo, CB Ladarius Gunter and G Jon Feliciano.


(buccaneers.com)

NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes Miami TE Clive Walford is a "combo tight end who can help a team in the running game and through the air."

Zierlein compares Walford to Dwayne Allen. "He lacks the elite athletic traits to be a game-changer at the position, but he is becoming a premium blocker," Zierlein wrote. "With teams looking for versatile tight ends to create matchups in two-TE sets, Walford's stock should be high." The analyst ranks Walford as the No. 2 tight end in the class. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns last season.


(rotoworld.com)

Denzel Perryman's shoe size probably isn't much more impressive than his height (5-foot-11), but the way two-time Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis sees it, Perryman could be filling some awfully big shoes as an NFL rookie.

Those of Patrick Willis.

"If you put him in the right scheme he will be excellent," Portis told stateoftheu.com. "I can see the 49ers taking a long look at him with Patrick Willis retiring. Picking up a linebacker who comes with his attitude would really help them."

Willis retired last week at age 30 after a prolific but abbreviated eight-year career. Perryman was the soul of the Hurricanes' defense last year and is their top defensive draft prospect amid a cast of offensive prospects that includes running back Duke Johnson, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, tackle Ereck Flowers and tight end Clive Walford.

But while Perryman might be a good fit for the 49ers, the draft order suggests he might not fit any of the club's draft choices. Perryman is regarded as a late-first or early second-round prospect. Two of five NFL Media analysts project him as a late first-round pick, and Portis sees him as a late-first or early second-rounder as well. The trouble is, San Francisco picks at No. 15 in the first round -- perhaps too rich of a pick for Perryman's draft value -- and by the time the club selects again in the middle of the second round, Perryman could easily be wearing another club's hat.

A trade up or down might be required to facilitate a Perryman-49ers marriage. Regardless, Portis likes Perryman above all the other Miami prospects on the offensive side of the ball. He likened Perryman to former NFL linebackers London Fletcher, Al Wilson and Nate Webster.

"I definitely think he will go at the end of the first or early in the second round," Portis said. "Watching the film of all of the players from Miami, the person who stood out the most was Denzel, because of how he attacked the ball. He sometimes even played off double teams -- a linebacker should never face double teams."
Other thoughts from Portis on Miami's top prospects:

» On Johnson: "I think Duke probably is most talented running back to ever come out of the University of Miami."
That's high praise, given the long list of UM backs to have big NFL careers, including Edgerrin James and Portis himself.

» On Dorsett: "When you look at that Florida State game, Phillip Dorsett still hasn't been covered. They should have never stopped getting him the ball."
Dorsett had four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown in a 30-26 loss to the Seminoles last season. Of note in that game is that FSU's two cornerbacks, P.J. Williams and Ronald Darby, will both get draft-day calls, as well.

» On Walford: "If you look at his ability to get open and catch the ball, he follows well in the UM tradition of Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow and Jimmy Graham. Walford is going to be in that category."


(nfl.com)

NFL.com sees Miami TE Clive Walford as an ideal fit to replace Jimmy Graham with the Saints.

Graham, a UM grad himself, was shipped to the Seattle Seahawks in a blockbuster Tuesday trade. "Walford isn't worthy of a first-round selection, but he should be there when the Saints pick 12th in the second round (44th overall)," noted College Football 24/7 writer Mike Huguenin. A few weeks ago, NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock called Walford "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." And not for nothing: Walford was often deployed out wide by Hurricane coaches. He isn't in Graham's class as an athlete, and he isn't as long (6-foot-4, 251), but Walford could potentially provide half the value for a small fraction of the price.


(rotoworld.com)

The Sports Quotient’s annual NFL Draft Preview series has returned. Each week, we will analyze the top NFL prospects at each position. This week, the focus is on tight ends. Today’s prospect is Clive Walford of the University of Miami. 

College Career
While Clive Walford may not be a household name around the majority of the country, the Hurricanes’ tight end certainly made himself known amongst the local South Beachers. At 6’4, 251 lbs., Walford emerged as Miami’s go-to target at tight end as quickly as his redshirt freshman season. 

Though, the Belle Glades native really burst into the public eye this past season, including being named a Mackey Award finalist. Walford was also named to the All-ACC Second Team as well as being selected to the Associated Press Third Team All-America. Yet another freakishly athletic product courtesy of “The U”, Walford finished his senior season with 44 catches for 676 yards and 7 TD’s, as his 7 trips to the endzone were tied for second amongst qualified tight ends, while his 15.4 YPC average was fifth-best at his position.

Pros
It goes without saying, but Walford is a massive man at his size and weight. He’s not quite the hybrid athlete that teams covet, such as 2014 rookie right end Eric Ebron, but Walford uses more physicality and less finesse compared to the Lions’ 10th-overall pick from a year ago. The ex-Cane’s biggest asset is his ability to block, which will afford him the opportunity to be one the field very early into his NFL career. Walford really drives his opposition out of the play, due to his consistent use of proper technique. 

As a receiver, he isn’t the fastest, but he makes up for it with physicality and a frequent yet effective jump-cut. Laterally, Walford is deceptively quick however, and he uses his side-to-side agility to get open in one-on-one situations. His large frame, long arms and leaping ability make him a potential redzone danger, though the Canes lack of attempts to utilize Walford in such a way is mind-boggling. The most impressive quality Walford possesses is his motor, as his Hurricanes were often left for dead early in games, but their tight end never showed signs of quit. 



Cons
Walford has OK hands, and it seems as if he receives the football in his body far too consistently. Catchable passes were either dropped or knocked away because of his refusal to catch the football away from his body. With the ball in his hands, he’s not the most explosive of runners, and he won’t dazzle anyone in the open field or make a ton of tacklers miss. Walford’s straight-line speed was a bit disappointing (4.79 official 4-time) as well. 

Grade
While Walford lacks a burst reminiscent of Antonio Gates or Julius Thomas, his pros certainly outweigh his cons. Big pass catchers are always in demand, and with Walford’s ability to dominate at the point of attack, he’ll be given every opportunity to contribute right away. With all of his combined traits, Walford seems like a Day 2 lock, with the end of the second round being a best case scenario. His best bet is somewhere in the third round. 

Best Fit
A lot of teams are in need of a tight end that can be effective both downfield and in the run game, as the Falcons, Browns and Dolphins come to mind. However, the team that makes the most, if not perfect sense, is the Denver Broncos. With the 28th-pick in the third round, the Broncos could really use an experienced tight end whose biggest asset is his ability to protect his fellow quarterback. 

With Peyton Manning’s age and health concerns beginning to raise questions, Walford would help ease the burden of keeping Peyton on his feet. His size and strength along the seams would make Denver fans forget who Julius Thomas is, was and ever will be. Oh, and Dominique Jones (who?) is currently the only tight end on the Broncos roster. Simply, Walford is everything the Broncos need at tight end, and with Gary Kubiak’s affinity to involve the position in his offense, the big man from Miami could really be a surprise early-impact rookie. 


(nationafootballpost.com)

Former Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford reflected on the NFL Combine with Joe Rose on WQAM this morning, expressing disappointment over his 40-yard dash time.

“Honestly I was disappointed,” Walford said of running a 4.79. “I was expecting something faster than that.”

Walford says he’s going to run the 40 again at Miami’s Pro Day.

His time, however, still ranked fourth among all tight ends. He was also a top performer at his position in both the vertical jump and broad jump, with 35 inches (4th) and 120 inches (2nd), respectively.

Asked whether he’d alter his comments declaring himself the best tight end in the draft and the six-foot-five talent declined to back down.

“I feel like I’m the best tight end in the draft and I’m out to prove that.”


(cbslocal.com)

NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said Miami TE Clive Walford is the clear No. 2 tight end.

Behind Minnesota's Maxx Williams, of course. Mayock added that there is no clear-cut No. 3 guy at the position. "After [Williams and Walford], what's your flavor?" Mayock said. The analyst likes Walford's combination of size, speed and strength. Measuring 6-foot-4, 251 pounds, Walford's 4.79 forty was a little disappointing, but his 35 inch vertical jump and 120 inch broad jump were both good.


(rotoworld.com)

The Miami Dolphins, who could be looking for a running back and a tight end in the first two rounds of the draft, met with former Univeristy of Miami stars Duke Johnson and Clive Walford at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Johnson, UM's all-time leading rusher, is expected to be drafted in the second round. Walford, generally regarded as the second-best tight end in the draft behind Minnesota's Maxx Williams, also is slated to be taken in the second round.

The Dolphins have the 14th pick in the first round.

The Dolphins could be looking for a running back to share the load with Lamar Miller, who rushed for 1,099 yards last season. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry on his 216 attempts, and scored nine touchdowns. But he was limited to 16 touches per game, which hints Miami needs another back to compliment him.

It is unlikely that Knowshon Moreno, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, will be re-signed.

This is the deepest crop of running back talent since the 2008 NFL Draft, led by first-round hopefuls Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley.

The Dolphins are dealing with some uncertainty at the tight end position because starter Charles Clay is a free agent.

Walford would be a solid addition after dominating Senior Bowl practices, especially in red-zone drills.

“I have a great ability to jump,” Walford said. “In the red zone, I use my body and my jumping ability to go up over the top of defenders and grab the ball. I am the best tight end in this draft because I can block, I can catch, I can run after the catch, do everything that a tight end is expected to do.”

Walford, who caught 121 career passes and scored 14 touchdowns, also had combine meetings with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.

There are some questions about Walford's hands, though, as he's had his share of dropped passes.

Walford showed he was healthy at the Senior Bowl after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right meniscus.

"It was very important because I was told that people thought I tore my medial collateral ligament, which I didn't," Walford said. "I just had a scope on my right meniscus. I just wanted to go out and show everybody that I was healthy."


(sun-sentinel.com)

Clive Walford, TE, Miami: After being hailed as one of the most explosive tight ends in the draft, Walford didn't wow scouts with his workout performance on Friday. The 6-4, 251-pound pass catcher clocked a rather pedestrian 4.79 40 time and failed to look dynamic or sudden in drills. Although Walford's numbers in the vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (10 feet even) suggest that he is a capable athlete, I didn't see a prospect with the kind of quick-twitch traits to create matchup problems on the perimeter.


(nfl.com)

The San Francisco 49ers have their front office and part of the coaching staff in Indianapolis this week for the 2015 NFL Combine. It marks the best opportunity to see most of the note-worthy draft eligible players, and that includes up to 60 meetings with the players. The 49ers have likely had several meetings already, but here is one that was confirmed by a player:

For my 49ers crowd, Miami TE Clive Walford said he spoke to team at Sr Bowl and has formal sit down with them here at the Combine.

— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_PPI) February 18, 2015

A visit can mean nothing in the big picture given that teams will chat with a lot of players leading up to the draft. But it is still interesting to track the names that pop up in connection with the 49ers.

The general consensus seems to have Walford as the No. 2 tight end, behind Maxx Williams (Minnesota), and ahead of guys like Nick O'Leary (Florida State) and Ben Koyack (Notre Dame). Poldarn posted his latest composite big board at the end of January. The composite had Walford ranked 76th overall.

Walford has the size and athleticism to handle both blocking and receiving duties. That composite ranking puts him firmly in the third round, but both Buffalo Rumblings and Big Blue View would be fine with grabbing him earlier than that. They both provided their scouting reports, and you can read more at NFL.com. The reports indicate he is capable in the passing game, but is not quite a big play threat.

The 49ers head into the offseason with Vernon Davis, Vance McDonald and Derek Carrier under contract. Garrett Celek is a restricted free agent, which means there is a strong chance he returns if the 49ers are interested. The 49ers could have a full stable of tight ends already in place for next season, but given the performances last season, some change could be in order. Even if Davis returns, he is entering the final year of his contract. McDonald has been underwhelming, although injuries were a problem this year. Carrier is an intriguing prospect, but he has never really broken out, and injuries cut short his 2014.

I don't know that I would see the 49ers investing in a tight end in the first two or three rounds, but plenty can change between now and late April. The 49ers seemingly have bigger concerns at the moment, but it's not like tight end is a rock of stability.


(ninernation.com)

The Ravens are dealing with some uncertainty at the tight end position because starter Owen Daniels is a free agent and Dennis Pitta's career is in doubt because of a recurring hip problem.

So, the team is exploring its options at the position in the NFL draft. The Ravens have met with Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams and Miami tight end Clive Walford at the NFL scouting combine.

Williams, a projected late first-round draft pick who declared early for the draft, has athletic bloodlines as the son of former New York Giants center Brian Williams, a 1989 first-round draft pick. His mother played volleyball at Minnesota.

Williams has drawn comparisons to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten.

"He's a complete tight end, in my opinion," Williams said about Witten. "He blocks. He runs routes. He makes plays for his team. That's what I want to be. I want to go to the NFL and be a complete tight end and make plays with my hands but also in the run game by making complete blocks."

Williams, 20, caught 36 passes for 569 yards and eight touchdowns last season and was named All-Big Ten Conference.

"As I'm going to the next level and will work on my craft, I can take my game to the next level that much better," Williams said. "Being only 20 years old, knowing that my body's not fully developed into what it could develop into, is a strength."

Walford dominated Senior Bowl practices, especially in red-zone drills.

“I have a great ability to jump,” Walford said. “In the red zone, I use my body and my jumping ability to go up over the top of defenders and grab the ball. I am the best tight end in this draft because I can block, I can catch, I can run after the catch, do everything that a tight end is expected to do.”

Walford, who caught 121 career passes and scored 14 touchdowns, also had combine meetings with the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.

There are some questions about his consistency, though.

Walford also showed he was healthy at the Senior Bowl after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his right meniscus.

"It was very important because I was told that people thought I tore my medial collateral ligament, which I didn't," Walford said. "I just had a scope on my right meniscus. I just wanted to go out and show everybody that I was healthy."


(baltimoresun.com)

Eight Miami Hurricanes are making the pilgrimage to Indianapolis this week — eight players eyeing future dreams and envisioning the performances of their lives at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.

“It’s amazing to have seven guys who are my brothers competing with me in one place and representing our school,” said receiver Phillip Dorsett, who hopes to shatter Chris Johnson’s NFL Combine 40-yard-dash record of 4.24 seconds, set in 2007. “I’ve watched the scouting combine every year and always dreamed of being there. Now, I’m ready to perform.’’

Despite UM’s 6-7 record, the Hurricanes had enough talent for their eight standouts — defensive end Anthony Chickillo, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, offensive linemen Jonathan Feliciano and Ereck Flowers, cornerback Ladarius Gunter, running back Duke Johnson, linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end Clive Walford — to be invited to the Combine most coveted by players and NFL executives alike.

Last year, of the five Hurricanes invited (Seantrel Henderson, Allen Hurns, Brandon Linder, Stephen Morris and Pat O’Donnell), three were drafted. This year’s NFL Draft is April 30-May 2.

“I’m really excited to go up there and show the NFL what I can offer,” said Feliciano, who said he has “slimmed down” from 335 to 325 pounds and has gotten stronger in the process. “I want to run faster and look good for the NFL scouts.”

Feliciano and projected first-round prospect Flowers leave Tuesday for Indy, as athletes by position groups are staggered throughout the week and undergo medical exams, team interviews, psychological testing and an array of performance drills.

Dorsett, a Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas graduate who was projected by analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to be drafted late in the first round, said he will run the 40 on Saturday, with the NFL Network providing live TV coverage.

“I don’t really have a goal,” said the speedster, who posted single-season career highs of 871 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014 and has been timed as low as 4.21 in the 40. He noted that the 4.21 was timed by hand-held stopwatches as opposed to the NFL’s more sophisticated electronic timers — “so, it doesn’t really count. I’m going to run my fastest and whatever happens, happens.’’

Johnson, UM’s all-time rushing leader with 3,519 yards, said his combine goal is “to be myself, have fun and show who I am on and off the field — not only in football but when it comes to interviews.

“We have to enjoy the experience because everybody doesn’t get a chance to do it.’’

Johnson, Dorsett and Perryman have continued training at UM with strength and conditioning coach Andreu Swasey — and a bevy of other Hurricanes, including former Canes and NFL players such as Andre Johnson, Jimmy Graham, Lamar Miller, Olivier Vernon, Travis Benjamin and Brandon Harris.

“Why work out here? Because I feel really great about myself and Coach Swasey is the reason why,” said Perryman, a first-round projection who lost seven pounds, and now weighs 238. “I’ve been working out with him for four years. My body, my speed, my strength have changed for the better because of him.”

Several other Canes seniors, who weren’t invited to the NFL Combine, will compete on April 1 at UM’s Pro Timing Day. Those include quarterback Ryan Williams, center Shane McDermott, defensive tackle Olsen Pierre and linebacker Thurston Armbrister. But for the chosen eight, the fun begins this week.

“It’s real important,” Perryman said. “You’re on national television. You have all the scouts, head coaches and general managers out there seeing what you can do. But there’s no reason to get nervous.

“Like I said, I feel great about myself.”


(miamiherald.com)

ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks Miami senior TE Clive Walford ahead of Michigan's Devin Funchess.

Walford checks in as Kiper's No. 2 TE, one spot ahead of Funchess. The pair, of course, follows consensus top-TE prospect Maxx Williams of Minnesota. "Walford was great in Mobile," Kiper wrote. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects Walford to run a 40-yard dash of around 4.65. On that note, Kiper wrote that the combine in Indy "will be important for [this tight end] group."


(rotoworld.com)

Miami senior TE Clive Walford was "very consistent as both a blocker and pass catcher, handling defenders at the line of scrimmage as well as making receptions down the seam" at the Senior Bowl, wrote TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline

"There was a lot to like about Walford's performance," Pauline wrote. "He's not a true vertical threat rather Walford possesses the skills necessary to be dependable in all areas of the tight end position for years to come." The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects the tight end to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65. The Guardian's Matt Rybaltowski wrote that his work in Mobile "could propel Walford into a spot late in the opening round." We don't agree with that, but Walford may have clawed into Day 2 amidst a weak TE class.


(rotoworld.com)

Eight future proCanes received invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine, the Post learned.

Among them are six seniors – defensive end Anthony Chickillo, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, cornerback Ladarius Gunter, linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end Clive Walford of Glades Central High – and two underclassmen who declared for the NFL draft.

Running back Duke Johnson and offensive tackle Ereck Flowers, both juniors, will be in Indianapolis from Feb. 17-23.


(palmbeachpost.com)

Miami senior TE Clive Walford "routinely drew praise from the Jaguars coaching staff for his routes, athleticism and ability to finish at the catch point," wrote CBS Sports' Dane Brugler.

"He has an easy release off the line of scrimmage with the route acceleration to threaten the seam and be a downfield target. Warford doesn't have an elite frame for the position, but he knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the ball and create mismatches down the field," Brugler wrote. "Warford entered the week in contention to be the No. 1 senior tight end drafted and he's only helped his chances of that happening through two practices in Mobile. He has looked 'as advertised' from his Miami game film." The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford, who could run the forty in the mid 4.6s, collected 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns in 2014.


(rotoworld.com)

1. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
He was the fastest player in Mobile this week -- by a lot -- and he might be the fastest player in the 2015 class. His ability to accelerate off his cuts is a trait he shares with all of the NFL's elite speed threats (I compared it Wednesday to in-his-prime Chris Johnson). But it's about more than just speed with him. He plays under control, getting in and out of his breaks quickly to create separation, and he has very good ball skills.

3. Clive Walford, TE, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
This isn't a great class of tight ends, and Walford has a chance to capitalize by being one of the first ones to go off the board. Speed was a question mark entering this week, but he showed plenty of it to go with very good athleticism, size (6-4, 254 pounds) and ball skills. Moreover, he can hold his own as an inline blocker, adding to his versatility.

10. Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
I don't know if Gunter has elite top-end speed, but he has really good burst when closing on the ball. His strength and physicality really stand out, as he's willing to come up in run support and he excelled in red-zone drills (he stuck with his receivers and made a great play on a quick slant thrown to his teammate Dorsett, the most explosive receiver here). He has good instincts and is always around the ball.


(espn.com)

NFL.com's Charles Davis believes Miami senior TE Clive Walford "has a chance to be a complete tight end."

"No matter who was covering Walford this week, the tight end was making plays," Davis wrote. "Many people think he's the top tight end in this draft, and he showed why this week. He's excellent getting off the line of scrimmage and runs routes well. Walford showed off an arsenal of subtle fakes that leave defenders hanging in coverage, which allows him to gain a step and run. At 6-4, 258, I think he's big enough to handle blocking in-line." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock said earlier this week that Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." The analyst was impressed with Walford's versatility and said he expected the TE to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65, which Mayock said would be "tremendous" for his size.


(rotoworld.com)

Scout's Inc. writes that Miami senior TE Clive Walford "got some ability as an inline blocker, has a wide strike zone and can really catch the football."

"He has great size at 6-4, 254 pounds, with long arms and big hands, and he was very productive this season," wrote Todd McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl. "The question for him was whether he had enough speed to succeed at the NFL level, but he ran well on Wednesday. He is the most athletic tight end here this week, and as teams have the chance to watch his tape, he could move up the board in an otherwise mediocre tight end class." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock called Walford "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft." Walford posted 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season.


(rotoworld.com)

Miami senior TE Clive Walford "showed he's healthy and continues to gain momentum following an impressive regular season," wrote NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein

"Despite missing Miami's bowl game after having surgery for a knee injury, Walford suited up and played well at this week's practices," Zierlein wrote. "Several scouts believe he will be one of the top two tight ends off the board in this year's draft. Walford was adequate as a blocker and looked athletic this week." NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock, who recently said Walford is "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft," expects the tight end to run a 40-yard dash around 4.65. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Walford logged 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns this season.


(rotoworld.com)

You know you're a pretty big deal at the Senior Bowl if two of the best college football talent evaluators in the business, NFL Network's Mike Mayock and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, are singing your praises on the same day.

Both analysts had great things to say about Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford, who stole headlines on Day 2 of padded practice in Mobile.

"I think we’ve go the most explosive tight end in this year’s draft on the field," Mayock said of Walford. "They (Miami) used him everywhere, occasionally inline but more often in the slot (and) out wide on the move. I’m not sure what he’s going to run (at the NFL Scouting Combine), but I’m guessing somewhere in the 4.65 range, which is tremendous for his size. He’s what today’s NFL is all about as a TE; he’s a pass-first, block-later tight end."

The 6-foot-4, 254-pound former high school basketball player, Walford turned his on-field practice efforts Wednesday into must-see television for fans, NFL scouts and more. In 1-on-1 drills, he showcased a shake move during routes that left defenders helpless and future NFL defensive coordinators curious about how exactly they'll cover him.

The 2014 Mackey Award Finalist finished with 44 receptions for 676 yards (15.4 avg) and seven touchdowns in his final season on campus.

I'd take all 3 Miami players on my team. Gunter, Walford and Dorsett all looked very good today. #TheU

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) January 21, 2015

(nfl.com)

The NFL is a different kind of football from what many college players are accustomed to, so it should be of little surprise to see some positions that are more in vogue in the NFL than in college coming to the forefront at this week's Senior Bowl practices.

Like at tight end, where Miami's 6-foot-4, 254-pound Clive Walford made a strong impression Wednesday. On a day when he caught two touchdown passes, Walford turned heads for his combination of size, speed and agility that should translate nicely to the pro level.

Jaguars TE coach Ron Middleton is losing his mind over TE Clive Walford. Every time Walford runs a route Middleton is yelling praise.

— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) January 21, 2015

You'll make an impression when you routinely beat linebackers in coverage up the seam. Watch here as he gets open down the field to catch a pass from Alabama's Blake Sims:

#SeniorBowl video: Alabama QB Blake Sims hits Miami TE Clive Walford down the seam.

A video posted by ChaseGoodbread (@chasegoodbread) on Jan 21, 2015 at 1:05pm PST

MOBILE, Ala. -- It was no secret in South Florida that the Miami Hurricanes had talented football players.

Despite their 6-7 record, those who follow the program knew there were many high-caliber athletes on the team. Yet, something wasn’t right with the team, whether it was inconsistent coaching or overall team chemistry.

This week at the Senior Bowl, the Hurricanes' talent is shining through. Hurricanes receiver Phillip Dorsett, tight end Clive Walford, linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Ladarius Gunter all had their "wow" moments in practices this week and are generating a buzz at the Senior Bowl.

Perryman and Gunter made plays defensively for the South team on Tuesday, while Dorsett and Walford were the stars of Wednesday’s practice with big receptions. After a disappointing year at Miami, the four are doing all they can to improve their draft stock.

So how do you explain Miami’s losing record in 2014? The program continues to have solid recruiting classes but is far removed from its glory days when the Hurricanes competed for and won national championships. Things bottomed out last season as Miami finished under .500 for the first time since 2007.

“A lot of things didn’t go our way last year. I can say that,” Dorsett said. “A lot of things went the wrong way. We just got to get guys to really buy in. It’s not on the coaches, it’s on the players. Coaches coach and players got to go out there and play. That’s all I can really say about it.”

Perryman, a team captain at the University of Miami, had the same sentiments.

“For me, I feel like just a lot of miscommunication and not executing the game plan,” Perryman said. “That’s where I feel we fell short, both on offense and defense.”

Multiple teams, including the Dolphins, have interviewed Hurricanes players this week to get to know them better. The Dolphins have specifically interviewed Dorsett and Perryman at the Senior Bowl. That’s not a surprise considering their need for a speedy receiver and a take-charge linebacker.

Overall, the Hurricanes are fitting in well with some of the college talent from around the country -- both on and off the field.

“[It's] pretty cool,” Walford said of Senior Bowl week. “Ifeel like I’m at home. Idon’t feel like I’m in Alabama at all.”




(espn.com)

With a lack of star power at the wide receiver position, Walford, who played his college ball at Miami, has brought plenty of attention to tight end, where he’s made numerous plays through the first two days of practice. One one particular play, Walford burst from his three-point stance and simply ran a loop around Norfolk State linebacker Lynden Trail to catch an over-the-shoulders pass for a touchdown. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock told NFL.com’s Chase Goodbread that Walford “could be the best tight end in the country.” That’s high praise, as that distinction has typically been bestowed upon Minnesota’s Maxx Williams. Walford, who measured in at 6-foot-4 and 254 pounds, played just one year of high school football because his first love was basketball. “I felt like basketball wasn’t doing it for me,” Walford said. “Once I started playing the game, I realized how easy it was … I started to love the game and I have a passion for it.”


(clevelandbrowns.com)

With precise routes, fluid movement and soft hands, the ex-Hurricanes tight end staked a claim to being the best at his position in the 2015 draft.

MOBILE, Ala. -- With a sterling practice Wednesday, Clive Walford might have done more to separate himself from the tight end class than he did in any game, or could do in any workout.

During one-on-one drills against linebackers and safeties at the South team's practice in advance of the Senior Bowl, the former University of Miami (Fla.) standout grabbed an array of passes down the seam, catching up to deep balls that appeared to be thrown too far and diving and turning for other passes that were low and in front or thrown behind him.

Walford grabbed two touchdown passes during his work Wednesday and presented nothing but problems for defenders of any position who tried to contain him. The 6-foot-4, 254-pound former high-school basketball player used his 81-1/8 inch wingspan effectively.

Four of the five other tight ends at the Senior Bowl this week are taller. Three are heavier. Two have longer arms and lengthier wingspans. One has bigger hands than Walford's 10.5-inch mitts.

But none of them are in Walford's class, although Delaware's Nick Boyle -- a 267-pound behemoth with measurables to match -- showed palpable improvement from Day 1 to Day 2, showing more assertiveness in his route-running and more consistency hauling in passes.


(denverbroncos.com)

The Miami football program has been mediocre in recent years, but the Hurricanes continue to pump out NFL talent, including tight end Clive Walford, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, cornerback Ladarius Gunter and middle linebacker Denzel Perryman on the South squad at the Senior Bowl. And during Wednesday's practice, that talent shined bright.

A prospect who stole the show during South practice, Walford routinely drew praise from the Jaguars coaching staff for his routes, athleticism and ability to finish at the catch point. He has an easy release off the line of scrimmage with the route acceleration to threaten the seam and be a downfield target. Walford doesn't have an elite frame for the position, but he knows how to use his size to shield defenders from the ball and create mismatches down the field. Walford entered the week in contention to be the No. 1 senior tight end drafted and he's only helped his chances of that happening through two practices in Mobile.

He has looked “as advertised” from his Miami game film.

The favorite to run the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine next month, Dorsett has “blur” speed to make defensive backs look silly. He has shown that sudden footwork at the line of scrimmage to beat press and the instant acceleration to win vertically downfield. Dorsett routinely won 1-on-1 drills against the South defensive backs, including his former teammate Gunter.

However, there is such a thing as playing too fast and Dorsett will do that at times, losing footing or getting wild in his breaks. Nonetheless, he has the game-changing speed to not only make an impact on offense, but also as a return man once he adds seasoning and polish to his game.

Gunter is one of the bigger corners in Mobile this week at 6-1 and 200 pounds with 32-inch arms, but he's shown the foot quickness that match much smaller players, moving very well for his size. He uses his length to contest any pass in his area code, blanketing receivers and impressing with his cover skills. Like most bigger cornerbacks, Gunter does need some refinement with his transitional technique, but overall, he has showed scouts more positives than negatives this week.
Unfortunately Perryman had to pull out of the Senior Bowl after a strained abdomen muscle on Wednesday. But his performance on Tuesday was enough to create a little buzz in the bleachers among scouts.

Miami finished with a 6-7 record in 2014, but after Anthony Chickillo, Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott played well at the East-West Shrine Game last week and these four Hurricanes in Mobile, its clear there was more talent in Coral Gables than the record gives them credit. And that doesn't include Miami's top two prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft class – underclassmen running back Duke Johnson and offensive tackle Ereck Flowers.


(cbssports.com)

According to PalmBeach Post writer Matt Porter, Mel Kiper had the following things to say about this year’s potential proCane draft picks. Follow Matt on twitter here and read his blog here.

Kiper said Flowers is “solidly in round one,” and has him slotted 19th overall to Cleveland.  “Flowers leaving early, people maybe didn’t expect that during the season,” Kiper said (note: outsiders, perhaps; within the program, Flowers was long seen as a three-year guy). “But he’s a kid who’s got enormous talent, decent feet, versatility to play left tackle or right tackle.”

Kiper’s top two running backs are Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, but he has Johnson right behind them. “Duke can run outside, he’s got that burst,” Kiper said. “He can catch the ball. A heck of a player. I think he’s a second-round talent you might be able to get in the fourth round.”

Dorsett will be a a second- or third-round pick because he “can fly,” Kiper said. “He’s a vertical stretch receiver.” He said he thinks Perryman will be a second-round pick.

Kiper on tight end Clive Walford: “I have him as the fourth highest-rated tight end. He can get down and stretch that deep middle area, which he showed in some games this year. Caught the ball well. He’s not going to have the great, great 40 time that some of these other guys will, but he plays faster and he’ll test [well].

“I think he’s a guy you get into … early- to mid-day three, he’ll make somebody look good at that point, I believe. I think he can be a No. 2 tight end. He’ll contribute. I think Walford’s got a chance to play in this league.”

Asked if cornerback Ladarius Gunter, center Shane McDermott and offensive guard Jon Feliciano could sneak into the late rounds, Kiper said: “Those are some of the names. McDermott right now I have as the seventh or eighth center. That’s a late-round, free-agency guy. Feliciano, same thing.”


(caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com)

The Reviews are coming in from the #SeniorBowl especially for Future #NFL #proCane TE Clive Walford, who was just named Player of the Day at the Senior Bowl practice... FOLLOW OUR TWITTER FEED FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE UPDATES HERE

"#Miami TE [Clive Walford] is definitely the best TE here in Mobile. He's making a lot of money today." - Mike Loyko

"Clive Walford is looking very good. Taking all challenges and beating them. Just made a nice catch on a double move." - Turron Davenport

"Clive Walford/TE/Miami looking sharp. Battling and coming away with a number of tough grabs." - Tony Pauline

"Clive Walford, my gosh. Destroying one on one coverage at Senior Bowl practice." - Armando Salguero

"Miami TE Clive Walford looks the part and has shown up nicely. Helping himself in so so class of TEs." - Eric Edholm

"Clive Walford is stealing lunch money against backers and safeties in 1 on 1s" - Pete Smith

"Clive Walford stealing the show. Can't be covered in 1-on1's. #SeniorBowl" - Bryan Perez

"Clive Walford #Miami TE running wild out here. Nobody been able to slow him thus far" - NFL Draft Geek

“TE Clive Walford, used primarily as a blocker yesterday, has been tearing it up in Senior Bowl practice today. Caught a TD.” - Andrew Abramson

"Between Clive Walford, Phillip Dorsett, Perryman & Anthony Chickillo, #Canes SRs really shining in all-star games the past 2 weeks." - Bruce Feldman

“Two University of Miami talents #Raiders scouts have nice grades on: TE Clive Walford, RB Duke Johnson...prospects Oakland are locking in on.” - Victor Cotto

“WR Phillip Dorsett told me he met with the #Dolphins this week at the #SeniorBowl.” - James Walker

“Dorsett said he met with #Eagles last night and is expecting to meet with Chip tonight. Was one of the stand out players today” - Eliot Shorr Parks

“Miami (FL)'s Phillip Dorsett & KSU Tyler Lockett -- two smaller WRs with electric short area quickness + foot speed. Shined in 1v1s.” - Dion Caputi

“Phillip Dorsett out of Miami is having a huge day. Elite speed. #Eagles” - Eliot Shorr Parks

“Miami TE Clive Walford putting on a show in Mobile right now.” - Patrick Claybon

“I want Phillip Dorsett on my team. So explosive off the line and he doesn't drop the ball.” - Matt Miller

“WR Phillip Dorsett (Miami) is electric in the 3-step passing game. No wasted movement in his route/break.” - Matt Bowen

“CB Ladarius Gunter (Miami) displayed the best technique during 1-on-1s. Played to hip of WRs and used leverage to drive on the ball.” - Matt Bowen

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said Philip Dorsett was the "star" of Senior Bowl practice today. "So explosive," Jeremiah said.

The tight end class in the 2015 draft isn't considered all that strong, and one of those in the running to be the first player selected at the position is Miami's Clive Walford.

On the NFL Network's coverage of the Reese's Senior Bowl practices Wednesday, NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock spoke highly of Miami tight end Clive Walford (6-4 1/8, 254), calling him "the most explosive tight end in this year's draft."

Mayock noted that Miami coaches lined up Walford in a variety of places -- in the slot, out wide and with his hand down as a "normal" tight end -- and said he expected Walford to run a 40-yard dash of around 4.65, which Mayock said would be "tremendous" for a player of his size.

Mayock also was impressed that Walford chose to compete this week when some other top-rated senior tight ends bypassed the week.

"All he does (this week) is enhance his draft value," Mayock said.

Fellow analyst Daniel Jeremiah also thinks Walford has shown well.

Miami TE Clive Walford is making a lot of 💰today.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 21, 2015

Walford played just one season of high school football at perennial power Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Central, and he redshirted as a true freshman at Miami in 2010. He became a three-year starter for the Hurricanes and was a part-time starter in the other season.

He had 44 receptions for a team-high 676 yards this season and was second on the team with seven TD receptions. He had 14 TD receptions and averaged 14.5 yards per catch over his career.

Walford has some work to do as a blocker, but teams will draft him to be a receiving threat. He can get down the seam and be a deep threat. He also is a solid athlete.


(nfl.com)

The highest-rated prospect is Ereck Flowers, UM’s former left tackle who skipped his senior season to turn pro. WalterFootball is high on Flowers, projecting him ninth overall to the New York Giants and the second offensive lineman taken. A website called Great Blue North Draft Report believes Flowers will go 14th to the hometown Dolphins. Flowers is projected 21st overall by CBS Sports’ Rob Rangand by FootballsFuture. CBS’ Dane Brugler projected Flowers 30th to Denver.

Perryman is a projected as a first-rounder per Sports Illustrated, the 21st overall pick. He also snuck into the first round of WalterFootball.com’s latest mock draft, going 30th to Denver.

Duke Johnson was a second-rounder on WalterFootball’s four-round mock draft, going 45th to Minnesota. WalterFootball listed third-round projections for Dorsett (82nd to Houston) and Walford (87th to Pittsburgh).

Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has Flowers, Perryman and Johnson as second-rounders.

The website DraftTek did a seven-round mock draft that included eight Hurricanes, led by Perryman (second round, 42nd to Atlanta). Flowers (65th to Tampa) and Johnson (73rd to Atlanta) were third-round picks. Also projected to be drafted: Walford (fourth round, 125th to Green Bay), Gunter (fifth round, 132nd to Oakland), Dorsett (seventh, 194th to Tampa) and Pierre (seventh, 212nd to Philadelphia). The site also listed junior Tracy Howard (sixth, 183rd to Pittsburgh), who has not declared for the draft.


(palmbeachpost.com)

Anthony Chickillo, Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott will play in the East-West Shrine Game (4 p.m. Saturday, NFL Network). Feliciano and McDermott (of Palm Beach Central) will play for the East team, while Chickillo is on the West roster.

Olsen Pierre will play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl as will UCLA’s Malcolm Bunche, a former Cane (4 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2). Team practices will be televised Wednesday and Thursday on ESPNU.

Phillip Dorsett, Ladarius Gunter, Denzel Perryman and Clive Walford (Glades Central) will play in the Senior Bowl (4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, NFL Network).


(palmbeachpost.com)

The 2015 NFL Draft is still several months away, but with the Miami Hurricanes’ season complete it can’t hurt to take a peek at some of their intriguing pro prospects.

The Canes might’ve finished the season with a subpar 6-7 record, but it appears there’s a solid crop of incoming NFL talent coming out of Coral Gables. Six players are projected to go in the first four rounds, according to CBS Sports rankings, which is run by NFL Draft Scout.

Rounds 1-2: Ereck Flowers, Offensive Tackle
Round 2: Duke Johnson, Running Back
Rounds 2-3: Denzel Perryman, Linebacker
Rounds 2-3: Clive Walford, Tight End
Rounds 3-4: Phillip Dorsett, Receiver
Round 4: Ladarius Gunter, Defensive Back

It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see a player like Dorsett, blessed with superhuman speed, climb up the draft boards after what should be a dynamic performance at the NFL Combine or Miami’s Pro Day.

Defensive end Anthony Chickillo, center Shane McDermott, and offensive guard Jon Feliciano are projected to go in the sixth round or later, while many scouting services expect 9-10 Canes to get drafted overall. In Todd McShay’s first mock draft on ESPN, he projected both Flowers and Perryman to go in the first round.

For comparison’s sake, projections were pulled for in-state ACC rival and powerhouse, Florida State. They’re expected to have 10 players go in the first four rounds, but this figure assumes undecided underclassman Eddie Goldman, Ronald Darby, and Roberto Aguayo declare for the draft.

So although the Canes aren’t expected to churn out quite the same quality and quantity of NFL players this season as the Noles, talent is not as much of a scarcity as Miami’s 6-7 record would seemingly indicate.


(miami.cbslocal.com)

It looks like four Hurricanes will be heading to this year's senior bowl: linebacker Denzel Perryman, cornerback Ladarius Gunter, receiver Phillip Dorsett and tight end Clive Walford.

Eric Galko, an editor at Optimum Scouting who also provides content for the Sporting News and the National Football Post, tweeted the news out Wednesday evening. 

Just learned 4 Miami players received #SeniorBowl invites:WR Phillip Dorsett,TE Clive Walford, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Ladarius Gunter #Canes

— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) November 19, 2014

Expecting all four @MiamiHurricanes Senior Bowl invites (Perryman/Gunter/Walford/Dorsett) to accept. Doubt we see many guys pass this year.

— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) November 19, 2014

NFLDraftScout.com projects all four players as draft picks for the Hurricanes with Perryman currently tabbed as the best of the senior group at 58th overall (2nd round) -- seven spots behind junior tailback Duke Johnson, considered UM's top draft prospect. 

Walford, who is enjoying a stellar senior season, has seen his draft stock rise over the last couple weeks and is now tabbed as the second-best available tight end, and the 74th best prospect (2nd or 3rd rounder). Junior left tackle Ereck Flowers is also receiving a lot of love after his stellar performance against FSU two weeks removed from knee surgery. Flowers is tabbed the 77th best prospect and the ninth best draft-eligible offensive tackle (2nd or 3rd rounder).

Truth is, though, Flowers could soar even higher -- maybe into the first round.

"I think he'll go first round or early second," an NFL scout who spoke on the condition of anonymity told me by phone Thursday. "I haven't watched the [FSU] tape yet. But I don't have to. He's a big, physical, good player. And he's tough as hell."

In article by NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang on Wednesday Flowers was been tabbed the 30th best prospect overall.

30. Ereck Flowers, OT, 6-5, 322, 5.26, Jr, Miami: Flowers returns to the Big Board after a very impressive performance against Mario Edwards, Jr. and Florida State. He dropped off the list after undergoing knee surgery in late October but certainly looked no worse for wear against the defending champs. Flowers is light on his feet and balanced in pass protection. He is aggressive and active as a run blocker, including looking for defenders in pursuit. If Flowers checks out medically, he's a likely first-round pick.

Gunter is tabbed as the 18th best available cornerback in the draft and projected to go in the fourth round along with Dorsett, ranked the 20th best receiver.
Senior defensive end Anthony Chickillo, now expected to play at Virginia on Saturday and make his 45th consecutive start, is rated the 18th best defensive end and is given a 4th or 5th round grade. Other Hurricanes seniors on NFLDraftScout.com's projected board include outside linebacker Thurston Armbrister (210th overall, 6th round), defensive tackle Olsen Pierre (228th overall, 6th-7th round), guard Jon Feliciano (234th overall, 6th-7th round), and center Shane McDermott (298th overall, 7th round-free agent).


(miamiherald.com)