NAPA – Clive Walford must be at his best during Raiders training camp. Most rookies have margin for error to start a professional career, but the third-rounder from Miami is already locked in a training camp battle.
He could end up the Raiders’ first-team tight end come September, but only if he shines over the next four weeks. Incumbent Mychal Rivera is a competitive sort, and won’t give up snaps without a fight.
Walford isn’t locked in on Rivera. His focus remains inward as he prepares for his first NFL season.
“I do have my personal goals and my personal expectations, but I’m just trying to get better,” Walford said Thursday morning at the Napa Valley Marriott.