Gang Green Nation
Taking a look at a young Jets safety prospect
The New York Jets recently signed former Fresno State safety Dean Clark as an undrafted free agent. Today we break Clark down in detail.
The 24-year old Clark is listed at 6’1” and 206 pounds and was an all-MWC honorable mention last season. He spent four years at Kent State and two at Fresno State.
Background
Clark was a three-star high school recruit who headed to Kent State in 2019 and recorded six tackles in 13 games as a true freshman reserve.
He became a starter in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, leading the team with 28 tackles in their four games. He also added the first interception and forced fumble of his career, and two pass breakups.
In 2021, he broke out with a 117 tackle campaign, but he then missed most of the 2022 season having had offseason surgery. After recording just seven tackles in four games, he opted to transfer to Fresno State.
In his first season with the Bulldogs, Clark started all 12 games and racked up 83 tackles and a career-high three interceptions. He then had another productive season in 2024 as he had 63 tackles, the first two sacks of his career and career-best numbers for tackles for loss (four) and passes defensed (five). At the end of the season, he was named as an all-MWC honorable mention.
He didn’t attend the NFL scouting combine or any of the main all-star games during the pre-draft process and ultimately wasn’t selected in the 2025 NFL draft, although many sources had him ranked as a late-round pick.
After Clark went undrafted, the Jets signed him to an undrafted free agent deal with $160K guaranteed.
Let’s move on to some more in-depth analysis of what Clark brings to the table as a player, based on extensive research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Clark has average size and length but his pro day numbers were spectacular. He ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, posted elite explosiveness numbers with a 41-inch vertical and 132-inch broad jump, and also posted good agility numbers and 19 bench press reps.
Despite these numbers, his athleticism doesn’t always show up on film. He can be slow to accelerate and does not display explosive in-game short area quickness as often as you’d like to see. Clark, who ran the 400m for his high school track team, does have good range though.
Usage
Clark is a versatile player who prides himself on knowing all the defensive positions. He plays plenty of single-high, ranging deep, but also comes up into the box to make plays closer to the line of scrimmage. His speed and size profile makes him an option to match up with slot receivers or tight ends.
Coverage skills
Clark’s coverage numbers were reasonably solid, with a 63.5 percent completion rate when he was targeted and only seven touchdowns given up in six years. He has been responsible for some big plays, though, with a 14...
