Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the tight end prospects

Tier One

1. Maxx Williams, Minnesota (6-4, 249)
2. Clive Walford, Miami (6-4, 251)

The Skinny: Williams headlines this year’s tight end class and is a guy who can create matchup problems for defenses in the passing game.

Williams has the size (6-4, 249) and athleticism to gain separation from defenders, and only at age 20, he’s a young prospect with plenty of upside. He’s the ideal receiving tight end for the NFL–with a long frame, decent speed (4.78), and strong hands.

He’s an exciting player, but also seems like a boom-or-bust pick at the position. He could be an option for the Green Bay Packers at pick 30. However, I think he’s a better fit in the second round.

Miami Hurricane tight end Clive Walford runs with the ball after catching a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Walford may be the most balanced tight end prospect of the group. He’s definitely the best blocker out of the top prospects, and he has the size (6-4, 251) and leaping ability (35-inch vertical) to be a legitimate red zone target in the NFL.

Walford’s polished blocking ability would instantly make an impact in a team’s running game, but the athletic tight end can also work the middle of the field and be a safety net for quarterbacks looking for a quick outlet.

As a senior at Miami, Walford led the Hurricanes in receiving with 44 receptions for 676 yards and seven touchdowns. Walford is a smooth route-runner, and even has a little wiggle to make defenders miss in the open field.

Despite lacking top-end speed (4.79), Walford still has enough athleticism and explosiveness to gain separation as a receiver. He also catches balls well in traffic, and would bring a prospect Green Bay could target at the end of the second round.

Next: Tier Two