The Dallas Cowboys desperately need a new safety. Even with the addition of Jalen Thompson in free agency, the position is one of the most glaring weaknesses on this roster. Luckily, the 2026 NFL Draft class is loaded with capable safety prospects.
TCU's Bud Clark is among the most intriguing safeties in the class. The sixth-year senior has a history of forcing game-changing plays. If the Cowboys get the chance to draft him, he could continue his dynamic play without moving far from home.
TCU S Bud Clark 2026 NFL Draft scouting report
Height:Â 6'1"
Weight:Â 188 pounds
40-yard dash time:Â 4.41 seconds
Recruiting:Â 4-star prospect, No. 31 ranked safety nationally
College production:Â 215 tackles, 15 interceptions, 20 passes defended
Positives:
- Above average ball skills and long arms allow him to consistently make big plays at the catch point.
- Plays with noticeable instincts in deep zone coverage, often driving into passing lanes before the ball is thrown.
- Has the long speed to stick with receivers on deep routes.
Clark is instinctive and aggressive in coverage, a combination often leading to game-shifting plays. His ball skills stand out for a safety, but he gives himself an advantage at the catch point with his positioning.
Negatives:
- Often stays too high in his backpedal, creating false steps when he triggers downhill.
- Concerning missed tackle rate of over 15% in 2025, likely due to limited play strength.
- Can sometimes get too aggressive when driving down on routes, leaving space over the top.
The TCU safety's long, slender frame leads to a few of his most worrying qualities. He isn't as physical when tackling as coaches would prefer, and his leverage often gets him in trouble.
Bud Clark NFL player comparison:Â Kevin Byard
With 36 interceptions over the last ten seasons, Kevin Byard 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.
Bud Clark NFL Draft grade:Â 2nd round
Safeties typically fall a bit in the draft due to limited positional value. For a safety prospect to come off the board in the first round, he has to be truly special. 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 Two.