Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA: Early Scouting Report

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

+ As I said earlier, my favorite part of Kenny Clark’s game is his ability to play across the defensive line. Throughout his tenure at UCLA, he has shown the ability to effectively play at the one, three, and five technique. This will especially appeal to NFL scouts across the nation as he is not necessarily scheme specific like the other players at his position. This also shows how excellent of an athlete Clark is. In fact, he turned into JJ Watt against Virginia and scored a receiving touchdown. Defensively, he uses this athletic ability and explosiveness to his advantage by being able to beat offensive linemen simply on his God-given gifts. Don’t expect an Aaron Donald like performance at the Combine, but he will put on a show in the spring if he declares.

+ Although Clark does have a rare initial burst for a defensive tackle, he doesn’t necessarily rely on his athletic ability. He uses his feet well as he can take on double teams while still being a force in run support. Many players he faces across the line of scrimmage are naturally stronger than him, but he uses his leverage and length to win the battle on a consistent basis. One thing that I look for in a defensive linemen is effort, and for Clark, that is a never an issue. He fires out low and hard every play and will disrupt opposing offenses as a result.

+ Clark’s ability to anchor a defense in the run game will make him a valuable commodity this year as he can take on double teams without giving up ground. He wins with play strength rather than functional strength.

Cons

– Definitely the biggest knock on Kenny Clark is his inability to rush the passer. He struggles to get off blocks on a consistent basis, but this can also be attributed to receiving double teams often. Unlike some defensive tackles this year like A’Shawn Robinson and Andrew Billings, Clark does not necessarily play with “violent hands”. We all know how athletic Clark is, but it frustrates me that he constantly plays “pattycake” with his opponents on the offensive line. The ability to use hands as an advantage needs to be taught to Clark right away before he ever becomes a legitimate pass rusher at the next level.

– The athleticism he has is not necessarily shown on a down to down basis. The effort and motor are always there with Clark, but he doesn’t always take advantage of these gifts he has. On numerous occasions, Clark is caught off balance thus becoming ineffective in trying to make a move.

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