Detroit Lions Draft 2017: Day Three Options to Consider
By Ash Thompson
Jeremy Clark, CB, Michigan
What If I told you there was an immensely talented defensive back who stands 6’3″ and weighs 220 pounds and runs a 4.43 40 yard dash? If I then said that the Lions could get that player in the fourth round, if not later in day three? Well, you would probably tell me you already know who Michigan’s Jeremy Clark is, and we would go grab some wings. Were it not for Clark’s injury he would be hearing himself called “a poor man’s Obi Melifonwu” until he was ready to strangle prognosticators.
In press coverage Clark is as physical as any corner I have ever seen in college football. At his size that’s not surprising, he really should throw smaller receivers around. In college football however most players learn to contest downfield and not give up a deep ball off the line. Clark’s speed however lets him run down the field with all but the most exceptionally fast receivers.
In the Red Zone teams did everything they could to keep Clark away from the receiver getting the ball. His length puts him in position to make a lot of plays on the ball that other players can not. Clark showed signs of being out of his comfort zone in his 2015 tape, having moved to corner from safety. He began 2016 strong however, and looked far more comfortable, particularly in press coverage.
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Clark tore his ACL in the fourth game of the 2016 season, robbing him of his senior year. He was denied his appeal for a sixth year of eligibility because he already had a non medical redshirt season as a freshman. He would be a project, but I like his chances.