NFL Draft Scouting Report: Clive Walford

Nov 15, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Clive Walford (46) runs past Florida State Seminoles defensive end Chris Casher (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

My Take

I really don’t know what the CBSSports.com group is talking about when it comes to Walford’s blocking. He does a great job of exploding into his man and staying engaged with the man across the line of scrimmage. Both the CBSSports.com group and Zlerlein talked about his problems with drops in the past but that’s were they are—in the past.

Now, Walford has the reliable hands that the CBSSports.com group touched on and the catch radius they also touched on. And what Zlerlein said about his breaks is ridiculous because he sinks hips, puts his foot in the ground and explodes the other way to get separation. And with it, he has the speed to run away as well as run after the catch as he showed on his 61-yard touchdown reception vs Florida State.

And when you do catch up to him, there’s no guarantee you’ll bring him down as he breaks tackles and drives for extra yards. I can’t confirm or deny the mental mistakes but I’m very interested to see what his 40-time is going to be. Walford is going to be the an elite tight end if he stays focused and keeps his nose clean.

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