TCU's ball-hawking safety could be Dallas's mid-round steal. Discover why he's a perfect fit for the Cowboys' defensive needs.
FRISCO - The NFL Scouting Combine is in the books in Indianapolis, and for so many NFL Draft hopefuls, this was their time to shine in front of scouts.
For TCU’s Bud Clark, it was crucial that he has a good combine.
And for the Dallas Cowboys? Some think it's crucial that they draft a player like Clark in April.
With several NFL teams in need of quality safety help, the 6-2 and 190-pound ball-hawking safety is gaining interest as the clock ticks.
But it appears one team might be in need of his services more than others.
Expected to be a mid-round selection, maybe Round 4, Clark might to help any secondary he becomes a part of.
But where could the TCU star land?
And where might Dallas rank him among the other top safeties?
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has named every NFL team's dream draft target, and when it came to the Dallas Cowboys, he's got Clark joining Christian Parker's regime.
READ MORE: Cowboys To-Do List in Free Agency, NFL Draft
“There's a clear priority for the Cowboys in 2026—fixing a defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed and was the only team in the league that surrendered over 30 points per game last season,” Davenport wrote.
“Safety Bud Clark played a lot of football at TCU and was quite the ballhawk, logging 15 career interceptions. The Cowboys need defenders who can play right away. Getting one early on Day 3 would be a gift.”
We know that the Cowboys don't exactly view safety as a premium position, but with Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson (a free agent) not assured of their place in Parker's scheme, it could open up the chance for a player like Clark to make a name for himself.
Of course, there is a chance he is off the board in the later rounds, but the chance to be part of what Parker is building in Dallas might be enticing.
The Cowboys' defense in 2025 under Matt Eberflus was horrific, with the secondary's play often highlighted by the handful of big plays allowed.
With Clark and his nose-for-the-ball ability (15 interceptions in his college career), there could be a chance for him to continue that in the NFL. ... while "staying home'' by simply moving up the street from Fort Worth to Frisco.