Bud Clark Scouting Report

Bud Clark is a proven alignment and scheme-versatile safety who has a knack for getting his hands on the football and creating turnovers.

Draft Grade: Round 3 - Adequate Starter

Strengths:

Playing Experience: Clark played six seasons of college football, which translates to a wealth of overall knowledge of the game. He had the opportunity to pick up different schemes and play in multiple positions in high-leverage moments, which could translate to him being an immediate starter in an NFL defense.

Ball Skills/Ballhawk: Bud Clark recorded 15 total interceptions throughout his collegiate career. Clark shows the ability in zone coverage to read the quarterback’s eyes and allow that to take him to the receiver to come up with the interception. In the deeper portions of the field, he also shows the ability to track the football over his shoulder or turn his hips and run to get to the ball. Clark does an excellent job of always being around the football; when he makes a play on the ball, there is a high percentage chance that he will come down with the pass, showing natural hands for a defensive back.

Positional Versatility: Clark has the physical temperament and willingness to fill holes in the running lane as a safety, but he also possesses the movement skills and fluid hips to play man-to-man and potentially slot in at corner at times. This allows Clark to match up with various wide receivers and provides added value for a defensive coordinator, as they can utilize him in various situations and assignments ranging from man-to-man to zone coverage.

Concerns:

Injuries: Clark has been injured multiple years throughout his career, which may be a concern for NFL teams drafting him, as availability may be a knock on his profile.

Eye Discipline: There are moments when Clark is reading the quarterback and is too eager and aggressive to jump routes; he occasionally vacates his zone, leaving an opportunity for an explosive play behind him. Additionally, in man coverage, Clark is susceptible to jumping double moves to make a play on the football, which can leave a wide receiver wide open. Improving his discipline will be a key part of Clark’s game in the NFL.