The Chicago Bears are embarking on an intriguing journey as they dive into their draft evaluations. With the Senior Bowl now behind them, they're gearing up for the upcoming scouting combine, which is a pivotal moment in the draft process. Following this, the team will begin to compile their draft board, and that's when General Manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson will start identifying key players they wish to acquire for the roster. But let’s be real—those familiar with the history of NFL drafts know that this isn’t purely a last-minute decision-making process. It’s highly likely that Poles and others within the organization already have a shortlist of preferred candidates. This was evident in previous drafts with players like Darnell Wright and Caleb Williams.
Identifying who these potential targets might be requires a careful evaluation of the current roster situation. While many fans might immediately think of critical positions like left tackle, defensive end, or defensive tackle, there’s another position that deserves closer scrutiny: safety. The Bears find themselves in a precarious situation, as all four of their top safeties are set to hit free agency. This raises concerns about the likelihood of all four returning, making it plausible that some NFL scouts have turned their attention to Bud Clark from TCU, who made quite the impression at the Senior Bowl.
Reports from the event highlighted Clark’s exceptional performance; he was noted for his impressive speed on the field, showcasing remarkable man-to-man coverage skills during individual drills. In team sessions, he demonstrated his ability to break up passes and even made a spectacular interception, although it was ultimately nullified by a penalty. Observers remarked on his instincts, asserting that he stands out as one of the most instinctive defenders present at the Senior Bowl. If he can build upon this momentum and gain further confidence, it’s likely he will attract even more interest from NFL scouts.
Ideal Fit for the Bears
Bud Clark appears to be a strong candidate to step into a role with the Chicago Bears, potentially succeeding Kevin Byard. Finding talented safeties is inherently challenging, but discovering those who can generate turnovers consistently is a rarity. Over the past four seasons, Clark has recorded 15 interceptions, signaling his sharp awareness and skill in tracking the football. Typically, such ball-handling abilities are indicative of future success at the professional level. While transitioning to the NFL can be tough for some, players who excelled in college often adapt successfully. Clark possesses the physical attributes needed to thrive, and his intuitive understanding of the game is already apparent. However, there’s a significant factor that will dominate discussions regarding his draft prospects:
His age.
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With six seasons of college football under his belt, Bud Clark will be considered older than most NFL rookies, turning 24 years old this year. This age factor likely means he won’t be selected in the first round of the draft. But the question remains: Will the Bears overlook this aspect if they consider him a strong option in the second or third rounds? It’s worth noting that Poles previously took a chance on Velus Jones, who entered the league at 25 years old. Therefore, it's not far-fetched to speculate that he might extend the same opportunity to Clark, particularly if defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sees potential in him.
Erik Lambert is a seasoned football writer with over 15 years of experience covering the Chicago Bears. He holds a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and his insights on Sports Mockery have reached over twenty million views. Lambert specializes in analyzing strategies, roster decisions, and developments concerning the Bears, sharing his perspective on various platforms, including 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts across the U.S. and Europe.
