What is the status of the Arizona Cardinals’ safety room? Budda Baker is one of the league’s best. His partner in crime was Jalen Thompson, who played well but was on the free agent list and found a new home very quickly.
So far in free agency, the franchise inked Andrew Wingard from the Philadelphia Eagles, who should fill the void nicely. But the defense will need three capable safeties.
RELATED: CARDINALS SIGN SAFETY ANDREW WINGARD
Kitan Crawford is young and now has a year under his belt. Joey Blount
may be the answer as well as Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. Or, are they?
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. This would mean Cleveland might have to reach out in the NFL draft slated for April 23-25.
S Bud Clark
Draft projection: Round 4
Browns pick: #104
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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.
