Browns Draft profile: S Bud Clark fits roster in many ways
The Cleveland Browns NFL draft could focus on offense, but safety, like Bud Clark, fits roster need as well
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 01: Caleb Hood #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels carries the ball for a touchdown while defended by Bud Clark #21 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the game at Kenan Stadium on September 01, 2025 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Browns currently have one of their starting safeties, Ronnie Hickman, as a restricted free agent .
On May 11, the team tendered Hickman. In 2025, Hickman started all 17 games and set career highs in tackles with 100, pass defenses (7), and interceptions (2). RELATED: SAFETY PROSPECT GENESIS SMITH The tender allows the Browns to have the right of first refusal if another club signs him to an offer sheet.
Which means at this point, they could conceivably get Hickman to return, or they may lose him. If that answer is still lingering when April’s NFL draft rolls around, GM Andrew Berry might want to select a good safety prospect in the draft. If Hickman returns, along with veteran Grant Delpit, plus the new guy, this would mean Cleveland might have the best safety room in the league.
S Bud Clark Draft projection: Round 4 Browns pick: #107 ——————————————————————————— Specifics: College: TCU Height: 6’-2” Weight: 190 pounds 40-time: 4. 41 Career Tackles: 214 Career Forced Fumbles: 1 Career Sacks: 1 Career Tackles for Loss: 3. 5 Interceptions: 15 Career Pass Defenses: 21 Career games: 61 Accolades: Two-time Second Team All-Big 12, Honorable Mention All-Big 12 (2022), Senior Bowl invitee Positives: Ballhawk 15 interceptions during his college days Elite straight-line speed Ample recovery time and range Strong closing burst Very good run support Exceptional Senior Bowl week Sturdy natural tackler Good finisher Strong closing burst Leader Three-year Captain Negatives: Light frame may be an issue at the next level Slow to fend off taller tight ends A big over-aggression on reads Too many missed tackles Has an injury history Vulnerable adsorbing blocks Expert Draft Site Analysis TheLandryHat.