Bud Clark's elite playmaking at safety could unlock Minnesota's already stingy defense. His ball-hawking skills and potential align with the Vikings' defensive scheme.
Safety is one of the positions on the football field that can sometimes get overlooked by fans. But is one of the most important on the defense, as they are the last line of defense.
And TCU's Bud Clark is one of the better prospects at the position in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, he picks what team he thinks is the best fit for some of the less talked about guys in this year's class. For Clark, he thinks that he could be intriguing on the Minnesota Vikings.
"After 14 seasons, Harrison Smith's tenure with the Minnesota Vikings may be coming to an end. Even if he decides to return for one more year, the team still needs help at safety and someone who can be a long-term option," Sobleski writes. "By placing Clark in Brian Flores' exotic defensive scheme, he can be molded into a chess piece capable of making quarterbacks pay for their mistakes."
Clark leaves TCU as one of the most productive defensive backs in recent program history. Over the course of his career, he racked up 15 interceptions and more than 20 pass breakups, consistently showing a knack for being around the football.
In 2025, Clark finished with 56 total tackles and seven passes defended. He was also able to show his knack for the ball by snagging four interceptions, one of which he was able to take all the way back to the house.
Of course, like many “underrated” prospects, Clark isn’t viewed as a surefire early-round pick. But that may ultimately work in his favor. Landing with the right team and system can make all the difference—and Minnesota could provide exactly that.
Despite finishing with a record of 9-8, the team had one of the best passing defenses in the NFL. They allowed the second-fewest yards to opposing quarterbacks in the league, which indicates that Clark could be right at home there.
For TCU fans, it’s another example of the program continuing to produce NFL-ready talent in the secondary. And for Clark, the Vikings represent more than just a potential destination—they could be the ideal place for his playmaking ability to shine at the next level.