Range: Clark can cover ground, but I wouldn’t say he’s the rangiest linebacker by any means. His lower body stiffness hinders how much ground he can cover because he has to turn fully and chase. He would be at his best at the next level as a linebacker that’s used between the hashes.
Processing Speed: Clark’s processing speed is adequate. He can be prone to overcommitting, but I’d rather tell a linebacker to reel it in and slow down than to have to speed up.
Coverage Ability: Natural speed and athleticism allow him to be a net positive in coverage. He can give up the occasional catch on short and intermediate routes, but he’s always in on the play.
Motor/Effort: Clark’s motor rarely stops running and he can be found chasing down ball carriers 20 yards downfield.
Tackling: His pursuit as well as his physicality and strength lend to him being a great tackler. There are very few flaws in his technique and he’s consistent. Old-school defensive-minded coaches are going to love Clark.
Block Shedding: Clark is underdeveloped in block shedding and block deconstruction. Once opposing blockers get their hands on Clark, too often he’s taken out of the play completely.
Blitzing/Pass Rush: Good enough as a blitzer to be used as an occasional rush linebacker either at the MIKE or as an outside rusher.
Run Defense: Flies to his gap against the run and is always around the ball to make the stop.
Toughness/Power @ POA: I’d like to see him fight back and counter opposing blockers more often but he’s got the physicality as a baseline to be serviceable with more development.
Versatility: He projects best as a MIKE at the next level but he’s not a fish out of water in the pass coverage aspect nor pass rushing.
Summary: Clark is a great leader on and off the field, as evidenced by being given the number 18 by LSU, but his overall lack of experience (2 years of somewhat consistent playing time, one year as a full time starter) has left him still needing to be developed at the next level. He’ll be a serviceable MIKE at the next level. With a little more development, Clark can be a 3-down backer and a full-time starter within his first two seasons.
Filed By: Mike Hrynyshyn, Area Scout
Twitter: @MikeH_Draft