NFL Players Most Likely To Reach 1st Pro Bowl In 2016

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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) looks to elude Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) after making a catch in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Clive Walford (Oakland Raiders)

If there was a hidden gem that the Oakland Raiders are waiting to unveil in the near future, there is no doubt it’s this former 3rd round pick. Clive Walford took some time to get going in 2015, barely seeing any action in the first four games. Soon though he began to carve out a niche in the offense. By the final month of the season he had become a serious threat in the passing game, producing three of his best statistical performances in a four-game stretch.

There is no doubt he’s going to factor heavily in the offense. Opponents are sure to devote most of their attention to stopping Amari Cooper on the outside and Latavius Murray in the running game. Walford offers that target over the middle who will see plenty of favorable matchups that Derek Carr can exploit. The key will be whether the young tight end continues to keep the necessary work ethic, something that eluded him at times in Miami.

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