Five things the Oakland Raiders must address after the bye

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

Expand Rookie Tight End Clive Walford’s Role in the Offense

With Oakland struggling to find consistent production from either Mychal Rivera or Lee Smith, it may be time for rookie tight end Clive Walford to see an expanded role within the Raiders’ offense.

Since returning from a knee injury that held him out for majority of the preseason, in 59 passing snaps Walford has just three receptions for 38 yards. His biggest impact came on a 33-yard pickup against Denver in Week 5, which shortly led to a 3-yard touchdown pass to Reece.

At 6’4″, 250 pounds, Walford has the size to be a viable threat both in the red zone, something he was particularly good at during his time at the University of Miami. According to CFBStats.com, Walford had seven touchdown receptions in his senior year for the Hurricanes.

Given that Walford is capable of making an impact both on the ground as a blocker and as receiving threat, Walford should see an increased snap count moving forward. With the lack of production from their projected receiving threat (Rivera), Musgrave will likely look to Walford to serve as a much needed weapon for Carr in the middle of the field and in the red zone coming out of the bye.