May 8, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight ends coach Bobby Johnson (right) with tight ends Terrell Pinson (44), Gabe Holmes (82) and Clive Walford (88) at rookie minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After surprising more than a few people at the top of the first round by passing on an available Leonard Williams and selecting Alabama wideout Amari Cooper 4th overall, the Raiders made another surprise move at the top of the 2nd round by taking Florida State defensive end Mario Edwards, Jr. rather than a more talented edge rusher. But the surprises didn’t stop there: early in round three, where many thought the Raiders would make a move for a defensive back or an offensive guard, the Raiders selected Clive Walford, the tight end out of Miami.

Reaction was mixed from analysts, experts, observers and JBB Staff. Walford was not one of the most heralded players in the draft, though he was widely regarded as one of the best players at his position in a very very weak 2015 tight end class. The selection of Walford signaled that the organization sees Derek Carr as their future at the quarterback position and are committed to building around him by adding solid receiving targets for the offense. Here’s what Walford brings to the Raiders: