2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bud Clark

Bud Clark, a sixth-year senior safety from TCU, is one of the most instinctive defensive players in the 2026 NFL Draft. Overcoming a long list of injuries that tested his durability, Clark’s tape shows a coverage-versatile defender in a cornerback’s body. Bud has range over the top, can man up in the slot, and gets downhill quickly in the run game. His ball skills and football IQ consistently outweigh his physical stature.

Measurables

Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 188 pounds
Arms: 31 1/2″
Hands: 9″
40-yard: 4.41
Vertical: 38″
Broad jump: 10’ 7’’
School: TCU
Position: Safety

Bud Clark NFL Draft Overview

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Hailing from Alexandria, Louisiana, Clark arrived at TCU in 2020. After redshirting in 2021 and starting four games (10 tackles) before an injury ended his season, he broke out in 2022. Clark earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors, led the Horned Frogs with five interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and recorded 45 tackles.

Clark continued his ascent as a team captain in 2023, starting 10 of 12 games and leading TCU with three interceptions. Bud also added 33 tackles, one TFL, and six PBUs. In 2024 he earned second-team All-Big 12 recognition while posting a career-high 67 tackles and once again leading the team with three interceptions. He capped his career in 2025 by finishing with 56 tackles, four interceptions (one returned for a score), and seven pass breakups.

Over his final four seasons Clark tallied 15 interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) while playing all three downs. There’s an obvious play-makers ability here that can contribute as a pro on Sundays.

Strengths

• Ball-hawk with the ability to flip the field and score on turnovers
• Understands complex receiver routes
• Tracks the ball like a wide receiver
• Solid hit, wrap, roll tackler
• Plays both the pass and run with equal understanding and urgency

Weaknesses

• Undersized frame prone to injury
• Can be overly aggressive on play-action
• Will sometimes guess route early which leads to poor positioning

Projection: Day 3
Best Fits: Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals

Bottom Line on Bud Clark

Clark possesses solid physical ability that shows up on tape. With ball-hawking instincts and coverage versatility, he has the tools to stick on an NFL roster. While his lack of ideal size will be concerning to some, his ability to play both safety and nickel corner provides a chess piece that defensive coordinators will covet.

There are certain types of players that can be viewed as moldable putty for a roster. Bud Clark fits that description and can be a contributor on defense early in his career.