Before a season-ending knee injury, UTSA WR De’Corian Clark was quietly becoming one of the best possession receiver in all of college football. While he has yet to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, Clark could do so to get a jump start on his NFL career. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes De’Corian Clark so special, as well as a predicted 40 time, injury history, and predict his NFL future.
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De’Corian Clark 40 Time
I have UTSA WR De’Corian Clark poised to run a 4.47 40 time. However, he likely won’t be participating in the drill at the 2023 NFL Combine following a torn ACL earlier this season. Despite the injury, this would be a solid time when compared to the league average for the wide receiver position. Clark, who primarily lines up as an outside receiver for the Roadrunners, has an adequate release off the line of scrimmage. While he may not be able to regularly beat a defensive back with his quickness, he is able to separate at the top of the route when needed.
De’Corian Clark Injury History
De’Corian Clark’s 2022 season ended prematurely following a torn ACL to his right knee against UAB. For Clark, he’ll have a decision to make at the end of the season. While he is a senior this season, he still has a year of eligibility remaining due to Covid. However, he could opt to declare for the 2023 NFL Draft, where he’s likely to be a mid-day three selection.
De’Corian Clark Scouting Report
Pros
- Excellent Ability To Track The Ball Over His Shoulder And Along The Sideline
- Phenomenal Catch Radius To Secure Passes Away From His Body
- Routinely Works Back Towards The QB When Pocket Collapses
Cons
- Explosiveness Off The Line Of Scrimmage Is Adequate
- Tendency To Round Off Some Of The Breaks In His Routes
- Ran A Limited Route Tree For The Roadrunners
De’Corian Clark is a two-year starter for the UTSA Roadrunners at the outside receiver position. He’s been a solid producer his last two seasons in San Antonio, racking up 15 touchdowns over that time span. Before injuring his knee, Clark’s draft stock was rising quickly. He possesses good height and weight for the receiver position in the NFL. His predicted 40 time of 4.47 is solid when compared to the league average.
Clark displays a solid ability to read the defender and create maximum space at the top of the route. Has a good catch radius to bring in passes away from his body, especially those that are placed down low. Possesses a good ability to work back towards the quarterback when the pocket collapses. Has a solid ability to climb the ladder for balls placed above the defender. After the catch is made, he has a solid ability to fight for additional yardage with defenders looming. Shows to have a good ability to track balls over his shoulder and make the catch along the sidelines. As a blocker, his ability to drive thru the defender to give the ball carrier ample time to find space is solid.
De’Corian Clark has adequate quickness off the line of scrimmage. Needs to further develop ways to beat the defender off the line to be successful at the next level. He ran a limited route tree at UTSA. I’d like to see him improve in this area, especially in regards to the sharpness of his cuts. All in all, an improvement in consistency will be key for him to become a more-polished route runner in the NFL.
De’Corian Clark NFL Draft Projection
If De’Corian Clark declares for the 2023 NFL Draft, which he has yet to do, he should be an early-to-mid day three selection. In my opinion, he’s likely to be a bench contributor early in his NFL career. However, with further development, he could become a solid WR2 on the outside.
Furthermore, it’s my belief that De’Corian Clark fits best in the NFL as a possession-style receiver. While he hasn’t shown a consistent ability to beat defenders with quickness, he has been able to make catches by climbing the ladder or bringing in those that are away from his body. Additionally, his ability to work back towards the quarterback as the play is nearing it’s end is a trait rarely seen in the NFL.
In terms of potential fits in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens are a team that makes a ton of sense. They currently have a 4th, 5th, and 7th round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. If they’re able to sign Lamar Jackson to a long-term contract, they’ll need to find him playmakers on offense. Additionally, the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Chargers could be potential fits, too.
