Ballhawk Safety Identified as Bills Best Developmental Fit in NFL Draft

TCU's Bud Clark could become a key member of the Buffalo Bills' secondary.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-air intercepting a pass, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and white, capturing the dynamic action of the play.A cubist interpretation of a Bills safety making a game-changing interception, highlighting the team's need to develop talent in the secondary.Buffalo Today

The Buffalo Bills signed safeties Geno Stone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency, but both were signed to one-year deals. SI.com's Justin Melo believes TCU's Bud Clark could be a solid developmental fit for the Bills in the NFL Draft, citing his versatility, ball production, and high football IQ.

Why it matters

The Bills need to add more long-term depth at the safety position, as their recent free agent signings were only short-term solutions. Clark could provide the team with a versatile defensive back who can play multiple roles in the secondary and contribute on special teams early in his career.

The details

Melo points out that the 6-foot-1, 188-pound Clark was a ballhawk at TCU, recording 15 career interceptions. While he's an older prospect after spending six years in college, Clark has the versatility to play both safety spots as well as the slot. He ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and had a 38-inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine, showing respectable athleticism. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein is also high on Clark, saying his tape 'will pop' and that he has the talent to range over the top or match up in the slot.

  • Clark spent six years at TCU before entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Bud Clark

A versatile defensive back from TCU who could be a developmental fit for the Buffalo Bills in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Geno Stone

A safety signed by the Buffalo Bills in free agency on a one-year deal.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A safety signed by the Buffalo Bills in free agency on a one-year deal.

Cole Bishop

A second-year safety for the Buffalo Bills who found his confidence last season.

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What they’re saying

“If the Buffalo Bills don't address safety in the first round, they'll certainly add competition to the position via a mid-round selection. TCU's Bud Clark is a personal pre-draft favorite. Clark is versatile with proven ball production (15 career interceptions), possessing the high football IQ required to take on communication responsibilities in the secondary.”

— Justin Melo, SI.com Writer

“A sixth-year senior, Clark's traits won't pop but his tape most certainly will. Clark is a coverage-versatile safety in a cornerback's body with the talent to range over the top or man up on the slot. He plays with an overriding desire to do everything all at once – which produces spectacular takeaways and occasional breakdowns – but the good outweighs the bad.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Draft Guru

What’s next

The Bills will evaluate Bud Clark and other safety prospects during the 2026 NFL Draft process to determine if he is the right developmental fit for their secondary.

The takeaway

The Bills need to add more long-term depth at safety, and Bud Clark could be an intriguing mid-round option who provides versatility, ball skills, and high football IQ to compete for a role in the Bills' defensive backfield.