When the New York Jets signed undrafted rookie free agent Dean Clark following the conclusion of the NFL draft, there wasn’t much talk about the Fresno State defensive back about having a chance to make the roster.
As we noted here after the signing, Clark’s versatility was his greatest asset.
Dean Clark, the Fresno State defender is probably the most versatile of the group. During his final collegiate season, he played 410 snaps at free safety, 264 snaps in the box and another 105 snaps in the slot according to PFF.com.
With underappreciated and versatile veteran Isaiah Oliver blocking his path, Clark was going to have to make some noise to push for a roster spot. However, through much of training camp he was largely anonymous. His name was rarely (if ever) mentioned by those in attendance, but then came last week’s game against the Giants.
Preseason or not, it was a bit of a coming out party for Clark who got himself a sack and a pass broken up in the red zone with Jameis Winston at quarterback, before picking up an interception late in the game. Three big plays for the 6′ 1” 206 Clark that he has apparently followed up with some quality practices.
As noted in his NFL.com draft profile, Clark has some draftable traits other than just his versatility.
Sixth-year senior possessing the size and athletic profile of a draftable NFL prospect. Clark has spent plenty of time near the line of scrimmage and is a willing combatant as a run defender. However, he plays with some indecision and isn’t as forceful as expected when making tackles. Clark has the speed to range over the top and the size to cover tight ends but maintaining his coverage duties from high-safety alignments can be an issue. The size, speed and explosiveness should get him into camp, but his consistency must improve to secure a roster spot.
So with one monster performance under his belt, expect the rookie to see plenty of action when the Jets wrap up their preseason schedule against the Eagles later this week.
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