Le’Raven Clark is one of the most accomplished offensive lineman in Texas Tech history, and now he’ll have a chance to make it in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts selected Clark in the third round, adding him to a roster that now features former Alabama center Ryan Kelly, as well.
Colts draft Le’Raven Clark in third round
Clark is one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in Texas Tech history.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Clark, who stands at 6’5 and weighs 316 pounds, entered Texas Tech as a four-star high school recruit. He was redshirted during his freshman year, but still started 13 games at right guard, earning All-Big 12 honors.
Clark’s dominance on the line continued in his sophomore campaign. In order to make up for the absence of the departed LaAdrian waddle, Clark moved over to left tackle -- often regarded as the most important position on the offensive line -- and was named to the Associated Press All-Big 12 team at the end of the year. This trend would continue in 2014 and 2015, as well.
With 51 straight games under his belt at Texas Tech, Clark possesses the experience to come in and immediately start for an NFL team. His Pro Day numbers were impressive, too, as his vertical was recorded at 30 inches and broad jump was 9 feet, 1 inch.
With elite foot quickness and length that NFL teams don't often pass up, Clark projects to be one of the safer selections in this year's draft -- though it's worth noting the conventional wisdom that says offensive linemen are the safe draft choices has been wrong in recent years. The 2013 draft, for example, featured six offensive linemen taken in the first 11 selections. Only three of them -- Lane Johnson, Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker -- have turned into bonafide stars and starters. It shows that no pick is safe.
The Colts have a pair of offensive linemen they like in Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort, but Andrew Luck was abused often in 2015. Indianapolis took the first step in solidifying its line in the first round by grabbing Kelly, who should be assured a starting role, but Clark could also work his way into the starting lineup.
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