Kenny Clark NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Packers Rookie

POSITIVES

A four-game starter as a true freshman in 2013, Kenny Clark’s impact at UCLA began early on. Playing nose tackle as a junior, Clark was one of the most impressive defensive tackles in the country in one-on-one situations.

Clark is the total package on the defensive line, showing agility, strength, instincts, awareness and toughness all in a 6’3”, 314-pound frame. A former wrestler in high school, Clark knows how to win with leverage and with his hands, and he has a developed sense of when and where to shoot those hands to break free from blockers or to create separation.

Clark plays like a wrestler at tackle, winning with a strong base and quick, short movements. He doesn’t overextend his frame and has the first-step quickness to stun blockers off the snap with a combination of speed and a strong punch from his hands. Clark is at his best anchoring in the run game, and he’s shown the power to handle double-teams or combination blocks without surrendering ground.

An intelligent, instinctual player, Clark is impressive on and off the field. His post-football career goal is to be a coach, and that knowledge shows in his game.

NEGATIVES

A lack of pass-rushing skills may turn away teams, but those drawn in by his run-stuffing ability are likely to question his lack of length (32 ⅛”). Knowing what you get with Clark is important. He’s an anchor and sets up tackles for his linebackers, but he doesn’t often make that play himself.

Clark was inconsistent at times throughout the 2015 season as the Bruins struggled. He tended to play down to his competition. Going back to 2014, when UCLA was at full strength, Clark shows dominance. Teams must decide if being the focal point of offensive game plans overwhelmed him last season.

Clark’s lack of pass rush could keep him off the field on passing downs, and those types of players aren’t drafted as early as three-down linemen, no matter how talented or promising. He’s young (20 years old) and smart beyond his years, but Clark has to learn to play with patience and to use his power to overcome his lack of burst off the snap.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 314 lbs.

40 Time: 5.06s

3-Cone: 7.73s

Short Shuttle: 4.62s

PRO COMPARISON: Sylvester Williams, Denver Broncos
FINAL GRADE: 6.50/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)