Kei’Trel Clark NFL Draft Overview
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5′-10″
Weight: 181 pounds
School: Louisville
2023 NFL Draft: Kei’Trel Clark Scouting Report
Kei’Trel Clark began his career at Liberty University. In that 2019 season, Clark played in 13 games while making seven starts at cornerback for the Flames. In that season, Clark had 38 total tackles (33 solo, five assisted), including one sack, and defended against six passes.
After the 2019 season, Clark entered the transfer portal and headed off to the Bluegrass State, and the University of Louisville. In his first season, which was shortened due to Covid-19, Clark appeared in all 10 of the Cardinals games. He made eight starts at cornerback while amassing 36 total tackles (26 solo, 10 assisted) while recovering a fumble, making one interception, and defending against eight passes.
Clark appeared in eight of Louisville’s 13 games, tearing his ACL in the eighth game and missing the remainder of the season. Despite the injury, Clark managed to produce impressive numbers for the 2021 season including 40 total tackles (30 solo, 10 assisted), three interceptions, and nine passes defended.
In his final season at Louisville, Clark started 12 of the Cardinals 13 games at cornerback. He had a college career-high total of 51 tackles (35 solo, 16 assisted), including a sack, while also intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown. He also defended against four passes.
Strengths
- Exceptional closing speed to defend against/intercept passes;
- Contends for the pass until the whistle blows;
- Plays comeback routes, especially with ease;
- An expert in zone coverage;
- Flawless biomechanics especially when transitioning from one type of movement to another; footwork.
Weaknesses
- Can be outmatched by bigger and more physical receivers
- Not the best at playing the slot
- Needs to improve his defense against the run
- Is below average NFL cornerback height (5′-10″)
- Tore ACL in 2021; missed more than a third of the season.
NFL Comparison: Donte Jackson
Teams With Need At Position: Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Bottom Line on Kei’Trel Clark
Kei’Trel Clark has a lot of characteristics that will intrigue teams and entice at least one organization to use a draft pick on him in either Round 5 or 6 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Clark has impressive footwork and speed, especially when closing on passes. He plays until the whistle blows and excels at zone coverage and defending against the comeback route.
Teams will be cautious when considering using a pick on Clark, especially when considering his torn ACL in 2021. Clark also needs to become more physical, especially with larger receivers, and needs to become more familiar with playing the slot. Clark also needs to be a better defender against the run.
Some teams will wonder why Clark entered his name for the 2023 NFL Draft when, in the eyes of the NCAA, he is still considered a junior and may have up to as many as two years of eligibility left. He could have used this time to prove that his knee was back to full strength while refining the weaknesses in his game. Nevertheless, over draft weekend Clark will hear his name called and will be given an opportunity to show what he can do at the next level.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
