The Raiders’ front office couldn’t wait for the outcome of Jermaine Gresham’s recovery process. McKenzie and co. drafted high on a TE with the No. 68 overall pick. The TE position isn’t a high-priority role in the league, but the Raiders need the extra protection across the offensive line.
Rivera was the team’s third-best receiver but a disaster in run-blocking schemes, registering the worst rating among starting TEs, per Pro Football Focus, at minus -17.3.
Walford steps in as a better inline blocker than Rivera with the ability to match his receiving production. He isn’t the best of both worlds but he offers a better balance as a combination TE.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares Walford to Colts TE Dwayne Allen, who is an exceptional red-zone threat for third-year QB Andrew Luck. It’s too early to compare Carr and Walford to Luck and Allen but Carr can utilize the Miami TE’s 6’4”, 251-pound stature to his advantage in the red-zone.
In a power-run scheme, Walford could become the driving force to lead the way for running backs Trent Richardson and Latavius Murray, per Zierlein:
Becoming a very reliable blocker. Is tough enough and physical enough to be a play-side blocking tight end on zone runs. Bends and explodes from hips into his targets and sustains with a good base. Will drive smaller linebackers off the line of scrimmage in run game. Has lined up in-line, slot and as an H-back.
The top six RBs in the league outgained the Raiders in 2014. Oakland accumulated 1,240 yards and was dead-last in the league running the football. The Raiders’ RB rotation wasn’t the most skilled but the inline protection was atrocious.
Adding Richardson and now Walford...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
