The New York Jets continue to get surprising performances from unknown names on the defensive side of the ball.
Last week, it was defensive tackle Jay Tufele exploding against the Green Bay Packers. This week, it was undrafted free agent rookie safety Dean Clark against the New York Giants.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini said it was an “impressive game” for the former Fresno State product. He finished with a team-high six tackles, an interception, and a sack.
Cimini said the young man made “A strong bid to make the team.”
Top Social Media Reactions to Clark’s Performance
All night, Clark just appeared to be in the right place at the right time. Good film study? Luck? Regardless of the reason, Clark consistently delivered on the defensive side of the ball.
📺: #NYJvsNYG on WCBS
Jets content creator Harrison Glaser highlighted that Clark also added a tackle for loss, two pass deflections, and a quarterback hit to his box score.
6 tackles (led team) 1 sack 1 TFL 2 PDs 1 INT 1 QB hit
#Jets
Richie Mollura of Jets Media crowned Clark as the “player of the game” against the Giants in preseason Week 2.
According to analyst Connor Long of Jets X-Factor, Clark finished as the seventh-highest graded defender (77.0) on the Jets defense via Pro Football Focus.
1. CB Michael Carter (90.5) 2. CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (87.2) 3. CB Brandon Stephens (84.4) 4. DE Rashad Weaver (81.4) 5. DT Phidarian Mathis (80.3) 6. LB Jamin Davis (78.3) 7. S Dean Clark (77.0) 8. DT
Jets content creator Matt O’Leary dubbed this performance, “The Dean Clark game!
Clark’s Origin Story With the Jets
Clark spent six years in college at Kent State and Fresno State. It’s unclear if he was staying in school to become a doctor.
During that stretch, Clark appeared in 59 games. He totaled 304 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, five interceptions, and 14 pass deflections.
Despite that resume, Clark didn’t hear his name called during the 2025 NFL draft. The Jets were able to secure him on a multiyear deal as a UDFA.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini revealed on April 26 that Clark scored a “nice guarantee – $160,000.”
That type of money indicates that the Jets had to outbid others for his services. Which also means they valued him as a player.
A Nice Bounce Back for Clark After Viral Mistake
By all accounts, Clark had a wonderful showing in Week 2 of the preseason against the Giants. However, in the preseason opener, things were less impressive for Clark against the Packers.
With 12:01 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Packers ran the ball on 1st and 10 from the Jets’ 39-yard line.
Clark met running back Amar Johnson at the 31-yard line. However, Johnson bounced off the tackle and took it 39 yards to the house. What should have been an eight-yard gain became a home-run touchdown.
Clark went from zero in preseason Week 1 to a hero the following week.
The Jet Press posted on social media saying, “Rookie UDFA has been running with the 2nd team defense this preseason. Feels like a safe bet for the Jets practice squad at a minimum.
Sack on the Winston bootleg and then excellent coverage on that 3rd down attempt.
Rookie UDFA has been running with the 2nd team defense this preseason. Feels like a safe bet for the #Jets practice squad at a minimum.
Unknown Jets Rookie Crowned Big Winner After ‘Impressive’ Giants Game