/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45558836/usa-today-8340353.0.jpg)
It's no secret that Larry Donnell struggled this season as the top tight end for the New York Giants. He's a good player but he's not the two-way blue chip player that everybody had hoped for. Clive Walford appears to be such a player right now. Can the former Hurricane land with the Giants in the 2015 NFL Draft?
Pros
- Powerful build at 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, he was built to be an aggressive blocker
- Gets good enough push to be an above average blocker at the point of attack.
- Smooth route runner
- Strong body control and high points the football; natural hands
- High motor player
Cons
- Want more length from your tight ends.
- Not an elite athlete (I'd say perhaps slightly above average)
- Catch radius isn't elite
- Sometimes will make one or two boneheaded plays a game.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Absolutely. The biggest thing for the Giants is finding a tight end that can do everything. Donnell has elite body control as a receiver but continues to fumble and cannot block. Adrien Robinson can block but nobody trusts him enough to throw him the ball. Walford is not only an accomplished pass catcher, but he's got the goods as a blocker as well. He can be a player who can hide run/pass and play both effectively for the Giants, and that's what could make him a priority.
Prospect Video
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 55
Mocking The Draft - 70
CBS Sports - 57
Draft Tek - 121
Final Thoughts
The best player comparison I have for Walford is Dwayne Allen. They are both similar sizes, both were accomplished catchers in college, have natural hands and strong body control, don't have elite athleticism, and are aggressive and technically sound blockers. That makes Clive worth a day two pick in my opinion. His sweet spot for me comes in the 50-60 range. That means if the Giants like him in the second, I wouldn't mind the pick. Would provide an upgrade at one spot and they get a guy who might not be there in the third round.