Ranking the Oakland Raiders Training Camp Roster: 30-21

Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a 25-yard reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a 25-yard reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a 25-yard reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) catches a 25-yard reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Clive Walford

Personally, I’m a big Clive Walford fan. His rookie season was impressive, and the big man showed how light he is on his feet, a very useful trait for a tight end.

With Cooper and Crabtree on the outside, Walford will continue to have plenty of room to operate in the middle, and that will be particularly true in the redzone.

Heading into his second season, there will be more comfort and familiarity with the system, which should lead to improved chemistry. Pair that with Walford’s own development, and the development of the players around him (such as Derek Carr), and that’s a recipe for a breakout season.

– Nick Hjeltness