Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders – TE Clive Walford

Someone has to catch the ball in Oakland besides wide receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. That someone could be Walford in 2016.

Crabtree and Cooper combined to catch 157 of the Raiders’ 373 completed passes last season (42 percent). That’s a heavy, heavy load for two receivers to continue to carry.

Walford, a 2015 third-round pick out of Miami, began the season as Mychal Rivera’s backup, but steadily saw increased time as the season moved on. He finished with 28 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns, relatively modest numbers on the surface. In reality, his yardage total was fourth on the team and his touchdowns were tied for fifth.

Quarterback Derek Carr took a major step forward in his second NFL season, passing for nearly 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns en route to being selected to the Pro Bowl. As Carr continues to grow, so should his ability to spread the ball around on offense.

As defenses key on Crabtree and Cooper, there should be ample space for Walford to work across the middle. But the 6-foot-4, 250-pound Walford could make a real impact in the red zone.

Don’t get overzealous and draft Walford as a TE1, but consider him a deep sleeper in an up-and-coming offense.

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