NFL Draft: Miami TE Clive Walford a First Round Prospect?

The Miami Hurricanes football program might not be what it once was in terms of cranking out NFL talent, but in 2015, “The U” is out to end the drought. Miami has plenty of players in this year’s draft that are going to draw the interest of NFL teams, including wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and offensive tackle Ereck Flowers. One prospect who had a great week at the Senior Bowl and drew the attention of scouts is tight end Clive Walford, who is considered a solid second round prospect right now but might find himself in the first round discussion sooner rather than later.

Walford is big, athletic, fast, has the ability to be a major mismatch in the passing game, and shows well as a blocker in the running game. He can play in line, outside, in the slot, and moving really all over the place. Walford can even protect in the passing game when asked to do so.

So often anymore, tight ends are classified as either blockers or receivers. Walford can do both pretty well at this point, the infancy of his career, and I think he might have the potential to be the best tight end in this year’s class, certainly the best senior tight end available.

This play right here almost gives me goosebumps.

If there is a Clive Walford train, I’d like to volunteer myself for conductor. Full speed ahead. This guy looks awesome. There are questions about his game in terms of ball security and some drop issues, but nothing serious and with a great week at Mobile, I think Walford is merely a good Combine performance or pro day workout away from vaulting himself into the first round discussion. The Denver Broncos are in dire need of a tight end with none under contract for 2015 and likely to lose Julius Thomas to free agency, and were said to be showing serious interest in Walford at the Senior Bowl.

At this point, I can’t think of any reason why the 6-4, 254 pound Walford won’t be a first round pick especially with his versatility at the tight end position. Some team is going to get a really, really good player that could make a significant impact in his first season.