Bud Clark NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Seattle Seahawks S

The Seattle Seahawks selected TCU S Bud Clark with the No. 64 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Bud Clark is an instinctual, ball-hawking defensive back who makes quarterbacks think twice before throwing his way. His ball production is among the best of all secondary members in the class.

The 6'0", 188-pound safety closes downhill with long, galloping strides and shows off his range on the backend.

A former 4-star recruit, Clark has been a team captain for three straight seasons and is coming off a season where he earned second-team all-Big 12 honors. He led the Horned Frogs in interceptions with three, bringing his career total to 11 (entering 2025), and had his best tackling season, adding 67 tackles (43 solo), which was fourth on the team.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Bud Clark highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Clark is always around the football and it shows in his ball production. He's a true ballhawk safety who operates best as a free-flowing defender or robber where he can read the quarterback and break on throws.

— Showcases the tools to flex to nickel and man up against tight ends, and he has the experience to handle a variety of roles.

— He's a long-limbed athlete who can cover ground forward or backward, but triggering downhill and jumping routes is where his closing speed shines. He's always looking to generate turnovers with an aggressive mindset.

— The three-time team captain contributes on special teams and is a willing participant against the run. He navigates blocks and looks to deliver big hits when the opportunity presents itself.

Areas of Improvement

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— Always looking to jump routes and create turnovers has its downside when quarterbacks can take you away from the play with their eyes. Clark will bail to one side of the field or trigger on an underneath route too quickly, and leave zones to do it.

— In man coverage, he opens his hips prematurely and allows receivers to attack his space to create separation. When patient, he can be grabby at the top of routes which can generate more penalties at the next level.

— He finds himself in the right positions downfield, but lacks the ball tracking and change of direction, due to high pad level, to consistently make plays turning and running. Receivers outwork him and have better timing at the catch point.

— Tackling technique needs to be cleaned up as he frequently lunges at ballcarriers legs and goes low, missing tackles and allowing for broken tackle opportunities. Putting on more mass will help him take on blocks at the next level.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Starter Upside- 3rd Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma (7.5 in 2025), S Javon Bullard, Georgia (7.4 in 2024), CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse (7.4 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 70

POSITION RANK: S7

PRO COMPARISON: Calen Bullock 

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'1"
Weight: 188
Hand Size: 9"
Arm Length: 31 ½"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: 4.41
10-yard split: 1.56
Vertical: 38"
Broad: 10'7"
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A