Fansided
Fansided

Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

facebooktwitterreddit
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
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 /

With the league now in favor of passing for 500 yards a game, run-stuffing defensive tackles are somewhat devalued. Teams, defensive coordinators in particular, are relying on more versatile lineman who can rush the passer in more than one spot on the defensive front. In UCLA’s Kenny Clark, the 2015 first team all Pac-12 member is a run-stuffing tackle that is hard to ignore.

Even though it may seem that the league is all about the pass, with running backs such as Le’Veon Bell, Adrian Peterson, Todd Gurley, DeMarco Murray and others, having a stout defensive tackle such as Clark will prove to be beneficial in the long run. Here is my scouting report on the talented defender from Westwood.

Live Feed

Justyn Ross absolutely deserves active roster spot with KC Chiefs
Justyn Ross absolutely deserves active roster spot with KC Chiefs /

Arrowhead Addict

  • In the Market: Previewing the Top 5 quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft classFanSided
  • Twitter reacts to 49ers' shocking trade of Trey Lance to CowboysNiner Noise
  • 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0With the First Pick
  • 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive ProspectsWith the First Pick
  • Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen BullockWith the First Pick

    • Kenny Clark, DT , UCLA

    Height: 6’2

    Weight: 310 lbs

    Strengths: Upon initial viewing of his film, it is clear that Clark has a solid, sturdy lower base. That base allows Clark to be next to impossible to move/drive off his spot…..At times, Clark will drive guards or centers deep into the pocket and sometimes right into the QBs lap…..Able to engage with blockers and still maintain proper vision to follow the ball….Stack and sheds blockers with relative ease and in a rude manner…..Tends to keep his feet active even when battling double teams…..Draws extra blockers over the course of a game…..Shows the ability to attack the chest of a lineman first on his bull rush….Doesn’t always show it but he possesses a quick burst for a run-defending defensive tackle.

    More from Scouting Reports

    Weaknesses: Would love to see more hand techniques and not bull rush majority of his snaps….Tends to “guess” on run gaps and will take himself out of the play because of it….Has a tendency to shed blocks too late, must learn to shed a little quicker….Although he drives lineman back deep into the pocket, he won’t be confused as a pass rusher.

    Bottom line: Clark has what it takes to be a very good run first defensive tackle. He’s athletic for a big, strong, and disruptive. However, it seems that watching his tape, he doesn’t play to his full potential. I’m not saying he takes plays off. It’s just every now and then, that brute strength that he possess is not on display when it should be.

    Clark is a powerful lineman who can be effective in the 3-4 as well as the 4-3. The film below from the knowledgeable analysts at Draft Breakdown, is sufficient evidence of how much of a headache Clark can be to interior offensive lineman. Clark’s versatility will only help elevate him to the latter part of the first round which is where I expect him to be come draft time.

    Home/Scouting Reports