Damone Clark Scouting Report/ Damone Clark NFL Draft Profile
Linebacker, LSU Tigers, # 18
Damone Clark Measurements
6’3” / 240 lbs.
40 time: Projected between 4.6-4.7
Damone Clark NFL Draft Player Profile
Coming out of Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Damone was rated a four-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals. Not only did he win two state titles during high school, he also graduated with a 4.2 GPA. He originally had plans to attend Stanford University, but decided to stay closer to home at LSU.
His freshman and sophomore years, he saw playing time in all 17 games, but only made three starts. However, this is to be expected when playing behind 2018 and 2019 first round picks Devin White and Patrick Queen. Still, in 2019, Damone was still sixth on the team with 50 tackles for the season.
Before his junior season, the LSU coaching staff gave Damone the honor of wearing #18. The names that have worn #18 might not hold up compared to the famed #7, but it’s considered the most illustrious number for the program. Those that wear #18 are considered to be the player that best reflects the values of the LSU program both on and off the field.
On the field as a junior, Clark would again play in all 10 games, making five starts. That season he would tie for the team lead in tackles with 63. This would include two double-digit tackle games. Heading into 2021, Damone would just barely crack the Draft Dive Top 50 Prospect List. Since then, Clark has been all over the field. He easily leads his team in tackling after eight games with 99 tackles (next closest player has 52). Damone has also added a sack, one pass defended, an interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. In fact, he’s had double-digit tackles in six of the eight games, including 19 vs Ole Miss.
Damone Clark Strengths
Speed
I’ll be paying close attending whenever Clark finally runs an official 40-yard dash. While he’s projected to run in the 4.6 to 4.7 second range, I think he’ll be faster. Against UCLA, I saw him chase down a tight end who not only was 10 yards in front of him, but was on the other side of the field. In that same game, I saw him run with fellow 2022 NFL Draft prospect Zach Charbonnet on a wheel route without issue. When the Tigers played Auburn, I saw him run down a running back from off the television screen. I’ll even make it easy for you, just check out the play here.
Productive
LSU LB Damone Clark
Just to make sure that you didn’t skim over it at the beginning of the article, Clark has 99 tackles through eight games this season. To make it even crazier, he’s sitting at 72 tackles in his last five games. At the end of almost every play, you’ll find Damone somewhere near the pile. Though he isn’t going to wow you with a strip sack or a hit that knocks an opponent’s helmet off, you are going to get solid production out of him. There’s something nice about having a player that you can count on to go out and just make tackles.
Positional Versatility
While Clark has spent most of his time as the middle or “Mike” linebacker, he has played some outside linebacker as well. I think this will help him in the NFL, as I believe he could play either. Although, if he ends up on the outside he’s far better suited for the “Will” or weak-side backer position. He does a good job in both man and zone. In man coverage he has the athletic ability to keep up with running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. In zone coverage he’s smooth dropping into his area and does a nice job tracking players through his zone. If the pass goes short, he shows off his closing speed to make the tackle.
Damone Clark Weaknesses
Getting Off Blocks
Damone is best when in pursuit of the ball carrier. He really tends to get into trouble when offenses decide to run the ball directly at him. Offensive lineman tend to push him around, and he has trouble getting off blocks. There were even a few plays when I noticed a tight end was able to lock him down pretty well.
Gets Sucked In
There were few times during games where Clark would get pulled in via a play fake. This would allow for a tight end to get out into his zone and the quarterback would be able to get a small, quick gain. Other times you would see him over commit to the flow of the offensive line. This would leave a nice cutback lane for the running back and the defense would be gashed for a decent gain. He can get away with it a little more than most due to being able to recover because of his speed. However, it’s something for him to work on the rest of the season.
Damone Clark Draft Stock
Outside of the Draft Dive prospect list, I don’t believe there was much traction on Clark before the season started. Since then, I would say that not much has changed. However, if he continues to put up more impressive numbers like he did against Ole Miss, that will definitely change. He is a player that could drastically help himslef at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Final Thoughts on Damone Clark NFL Draft Profile
LSU LB Damone Clark
It goes without saying that Clark is a highly productive player. Whenever a play ends, more than likely you’re going to see #18 around the ball. In the end though, I think that’s all you’re going to get with Clark. A solid, productive player who is going to be around the ball and make tackles. His most impressive plays are when he flashes his closing speed. On the other hand, it never seems to be anything game changing. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I don’t think he’s quite taken the next step that most people thought he might this season.
Because of all this, I have a hard time pegging down where I think Clark will eventually go in the 2022 NFL Draft. While he doesn’t just absolutely wow me on tape, you can’t argue with his speed and productivity. However the struggles with getting off blocks is worrisome. In the end, I could see a team taking a flyer on Clark earlier than this, but I think he’ll end up a Day 3 selection.
Pro Comparison: Malcolm Smith
While Smith’s issue coming out of USC was his size, he was labeled as a good overall athlete that had problems taking on blocks. Taken in the 7th round by the Seattle Seahawks, Smith would eventually be named Super Bowl MVP. Currently in his 10th season, Malcolm plays for the Cleveland Browns. Primarly used in pass coverage, he has a pass coverage grade of 74.4 (5th out of 78 linebackers). However, his rush defense and pass rush scores are 50.7 and 49.5 respectfully.
Damone Clark Scouting Report by Brandon Claburn
