The Cleveland Browns currently have one of their starting safeties, Ronnie Hickman, as a restricted free agent. On May 11, the team tendered Hickman. In 2025, Hickman started all 17 games and set career highs in tackles with 100, pass defenses (7), and interceptions (2).
RELATED: SAFETY PROSPECT GENESIS SMITH
The tender allows the Browns to have the right of first refusal if another club signs him to an offer sheet. Which means at this point, they could conceivably get Hickman to return, or they may
lose him.
If that answer is still lingering when April’s NFL draft rolls around, GM Andrew Berry might want to select a good safety prospect in the draft. If Hickman returns, along with veteran Grant Delpit, plus the new guy, this would mean Cleveland might have the best safety room in the league.
S Bud Clark
Draft projection: Round 4
Browns pick: #107
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Specifics:
Career Tackles for Loss: 3.5
Interceptions: 15
Career Pass Defenses: 21
Accolades: Two-time Second Team All-Big 12, Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2022), Senior Bowl invitee
Positives:
- Ballhawk
- 15 interceptions during his college days
- Elite straight-line speed
- Ample recovery time and range
- Strong closing burst
- Very good run support
- Exceptional Senior Bowl week
- Sturdy natural tackler
- Good finisher
- Strong closing burst
- Leader
- Three-year Captain
Negatives:
- Light frame may be an issue at the next level
- Slow to fend off taller tight ends
- A big over-aggression on reads
- Too many missed tackles
- Has an injury history
- Vulnerable adsorbing blocks
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Bud Clark is among the most intriguing safeties in the class. The sixth-year senior has a history of forcing game-changing plays. Has made a career out of jumping into passing lanes and creating turnovers. He may be limited in other areas, but his coverage instincts and ball skills keep him on the field. Similarly, Clark’s ability to force turnovers at a high rate will earn him a consistent role in an NFL defense. Clark may not be the most elite safety prospect in the class, but his coverage instincts and ball skills warrant a selection early on Day 2.
