There likely weren’t any fantasy owners drawing hearts or stars next to second-year Raiders tight end Clive Walford’s name on fantasy draft day earlier this month, but that might not be the case a year from now.
While Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray are Oakland’s offensive headline makers, Walford is a key component to Oakland’s passing game who is primed for a breakout season.
Walford enjoyed modest success last season as an NFL rookie, reeling in 28 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns, emerging as a viable option for Carr.
His sophomore season started quietly with a 3-catch, 25-yard performance in the Raiders’ 35-34 Week 1 victory over the Saints, but Walford picked up the pace in Week 2, catching a career-best 6 passes for 50 yards, including a 31-yard touchdown from Carr in a 35-28 loss to the Falcons.