Oakland Raiders youngsters need to step up now

October 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) is tackled by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) and free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Clive Walford

Raider Nation has been waiting for the day the tight end Clive Walford was up to speed enough to play. He was the star of OTAs after being picked in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Then he pulled his hamstring and missed training camp so it would take this rookie a while to get in shape and learn the offense.

He now has it as we were able to catch our first real glimpse of him after he served only in spot duty at first. The Raider have big plans for him as they saw his ability to get down the field better than most tight ends. And what we saw on his 33-yard catch is just a sign of what’s to come with Walford in the lineup.

Opposing teams have been bracketing Amari Cooper after he’s done his damage in the first half of games. Walford challenging defenses down the seam will take that away unless they want to give up big plays to tight ends. He just needs to stay healthy and he will step up when defenses are preoccupied by Cooper and Michael Crabtree.