Full Breakdown
Seattle Seahawks Select TCU Safety Bud Clark in 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 2:13:36 PM
Draft Pick Overview
The Seahawks selected TCU safety Bud Clark with the 64th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a versatile defensive back to a championship-winning secondary.
Defensive Needs and Recent Moves
Seattle needed depth at safety and nickel after losing Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen. The team addressed the running-back need with first-round pick Jadarian Price before adding Clark, who can play safety, nickel or corner.
Bud Clark Profile
Clark was a three-time captain at TCU, earned two second-team All-Big 12 honors, and posted 15 interceptions, two pick-sixes and 21 pass break-ups over his final four seasons. He logged over 1,200 slot snaps, 700 in the box and 400 at free safety.
Production and Combine Metrics
At the combine Clark ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, posted a 38-inch vertical and measured either 6-foot-1, 188 lb (team sources) or 6-foot-2, 190 lb (media).
Official Reactions
Clark said his “heart dropped to my butt” when he learned he was drafted and called the selection a “dream come true.” He praised head coach Mike Macdonald as “the best defensive coach in the NFL” and said he is ready to play any role. He also noted he modeled his game after former Seahawk Kam Chancellor, describing himself as “the hammer, not the nail.” Clark called joining the defending champions a “blessing” and expressed eagerness to help the secondary that secured Seattle’s title. Former receiver Michael Bumpus noted Clark was not a widely projected pick but fit Seattle’s board of prospects and “doesn’t feel like a panic pick.”
Why It Matters / Impact
Clark’s positional flexibility gives Seattle the ability to rotate safeties and nickel corners, directly addressing depth concerns after the departures of Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen. The added versatility supports the Seahawks’ objective of defending their championship by providing more scheme options for head coach Mike Macdonald.
Criticism and Opposition
Seahawks Wire analysts argued that while Clark adds depth, a pure cornerback might have better addressed the vacancy left by Coby Bryant’s departure.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources list Clark at either 6-foot-1, 188 lb or 6-foot-2, 190 lb, and refer to him as Bud Clark while noting his given name is Jadarius. No official clarification has been issued.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm versatile and I'm a ballhawk,” — Bud Clark, TCU safety
- “It doesn’t feel like a panic pick.” — Michael Bumpus, former NFL wide receiver
What’s Next
Clark will attend Seattle’s rookie minicamp and compete for snaps in a secondary that includes Devon Witherspoon, Nick Emmanwori, Julian Love, Josh Jobe and Ty Okada. His positional flexibility may allow the Seahawks to employ two-high safety looks and varied nickel packages.
