Frank Clark: How he fits with the Seattle Seahawks

With the 63rd pick in the 2015 draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected troubled defensive end Frank Clark out of Michigan. It is clearly a controversial pick, and likely will remain so for a long time.

Like it or not, he is now a member of the Seahawks. We might as well examine how he fits…

As an Athlete

Feb 22, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive linemen Frank Clark goes through work out drills during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Athletically, Clark is as good as they come. His SPARQ score is better than 95% of NFL players. He’s one of the best athletes in this draft, and will be one of the best athletes in the entire NFL.

At 6’3″ and 271 pounds, Clark has prototype size and quickness for a defensive end. He is a complete physical specimen, which is likely why the Seahawks were willing to look passed his off-field issue.

The one weakness in his athletic testing was his bench press. He lifted the 225 pound bar only 19 times. This is something that he can work on in the pros, which will make him an even better overall athlete.

Seriously, the guy is a freak athlete.

With the Seahawks

Nov 8, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) has his pass blocked by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Frank Clark (57) in the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks fan can think of Clark as a much for athletic version of Michael Bennett. He can play on the outside against the run, and move inside on passing downs. Clark doesn’t need to move inside to generate pressure either. He can line up anywhere on the line get into the backfield.

Clark will allow the Seahawks much more freedom in their rotation on the defensive line next season. Two out of Clark, Bennett and Cliff Avril will be on the field at all times, but there is no reason why Clark or Bennett cannot line up inside and have all three out there at once.

Cassius Marsh is the most likely to lose playing time because of Clark. He becomes the team’s fourth defensive end. Unless Seattle begins using a NASCAR package with four defensive ends, Marsh may have trouble getting on the field next season.

Long term, the Clark acquisition gives the team flexibility with Avril and Bennett. If the Seahawks need some additional cap room in 2016, Clark could move into the starting lineup in either defensive end role.

On the Sideline

Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan defensive lineman Frank Clark speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The problems for Clark are clearly not on the field. If it was just about his play, he would have been a top 10 pick. The reason he was available for Seattle to select him at pick 63 was entirely because of off-field problems.

Clark was arrested and charged with domestic violence on November 15th of last year. It was his second arrest, and it caused coach Brady Hoch to kick him off of the Michigan team.

According to the police report, he grabbed his girlfriend “by the neck and slammed her to the ground.” He did so in front of multiple family members.

At the NFL Combine, Clark decided to double down on the issue by going into a victim-blaming rant about the incident.

"“I don’t want to get into too much detail,” Clark said. “The detail I did get into I did with NFL teams. When we were in the room, the person involved let something get out of hand and took something further than what it was planned.“You look at a phone and nowadays these phones get a lot of people in trouble. I’m not saying I’m a womanizer or anything of that nature. I’m just saying it was a confrontation between me and one of my friends and the woman involved took it to another level that it shouldn’t have been taken to.”"

Clark’s past legal troubles won’t cause him to miss any time in the NFL. The obvious concern is that He’ll have another incident that will cause him to get suspended. Given his lack of contrition, that is a real concern.

Overall, the Seahawks rolled the dice with this pick. He should be a tremendous player on the field. He could also end up giving the franchise a major black eye if he cannot control himself off the field.

Next: Winner and losers from day 1 of the NFL Draft

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