2015 Atlanta Falcons' Potential Draft-Pick Profile: TE Clive Walford

The Atlanta Falcons need to get a true replacement for Tony Gonzalez. After losing arguably the best tight end in NFL history, Atlanta needs to finally replace him with someone better than Levine Toilolo, Jacob Tamme, Mickey Shuler and Tony Moeaki.

The best tight ends in the draft are Devin Funchess, Maxx Williams and Miami's Clive Walford. Walford profiles well for the new offense that Kyle Shanahan is going to run that is based around a combination of a zone-blocking scheme in the running game and the West Coast offense in the passing game.

Clive Walford

Tight End

University of Miami

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'4" Weight: 251 lbs

Arm Length: 34" Hand Measurement: 10 ¼"

40-Yard Dash: 4.79 sec. 10-Yard Split: 1.66 sec.

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.57 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.32 sec. Bench Reps: 20 reps

Vertical Jump: 35 Broad Jump: 10'0"

Stats

2014: 12 Games Played, 44 Catches, 676 Yards, 7 Touchdowns, 1 Tackle

2013: 13 Games Played, 34 Catches, 454 Yards, 2 Touchdowns

2012: 12 Games Played, 25 Catches, 451 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 2 Tackles

2011: 12 Games Played, 18 Catches, 172 Yards, 1 Touchdown

2010: Redshirted

Scouting Report

Strengths

The Miami tight end has great versatility within a scheme, as he can line up anywhere on offense, whether it's out wide, in the slot, in-line or as the H-back, and be effective. He's got great burst off the line that shows no matter where he lines up.

He has great size, strength and burst that allow him to create mismatches on both linebackers and safeties within the passing game. He also is a very good blocker when he's lined up in-line. He understands how to catch with his fingertips and is a hands-catcher, not a body-catcher.

Weaknesses

In terms of his combine testing, Walford didn't do as well as what was expected from film because of injuries that he was dealing with throughout the offseason programs. His long speed isn't great even on film, but that's not where he wins.

He struggles with consistency in his hands, but that could be coming from concentration. He also doesn't block well when he's not lined up in-line. His route running is something that he needs to work on to take his game to the next level.

How Does He Fit the Comrade Filter?

As a former captain for the Hurricanes, Walford has the leadership the Falcons love to see. He also played in the Senior Bowl and graduated from college—two things that general manager Thomas Dimitroff likes to see with any football player he drafts, based on the GM's trend of picks.

Walford also was never arrested, nor was he suspended. This is something important to Dimitroff because if a player continually is getting himself into trouble off the field, there's no way the team will be able to see him even get on the field.

Overview

Walford has the tools to be a great tight end in the NFL. He may not have the top-end speed of the greats, but he has the abilities to be a true asset in both the running game and the passing game. He could be that same kind of asset Heath Miller is for the Pittsburgh Steelers as both a blocker and receiver.

When it comes to his best-case scenario, Walford has the potential to be a multi-time Pro Bowl player and one of the best in the NFL at the position. He has an explosive level of talent, and his ability to attack the seam is something to feature within an offense.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Walford would likely have to be taken at the top of the third round for the Falcons to have a shot at the Miami tight end. He'd be an instant starter for the Falcons at tight end, as he's an excellent blocker who fits the zone-blocking scheme well.

His receiving abilities are also perfect for Shanahan's offense, and should the Falcons wind up with Walford, they could turn him into the next Alge Crumpler. He's a similar player to the former Falcons star and could make a comparable impact within the similar scheme.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro-day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

Follow @ScottCarasik