The Dallas Cowboys have selected LSU linebacker Damone Clark with the 176th pick in the NFL Draft. It's the second straight year Dallas has selected an LSU LB after taking Jabril Cox in last year's draft.
Last season, Clark was a First-team All-SEC selection and received Second-team All-American honors from Sporting News. He recorded a team-high 63 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2021. He was a two-year starter for the Tigers and wore the No. 18 jersey last season, a number given to someone who shows high character and selflessness.
A spinal fusion surgery to correct a herniated disk will keep him sidelined in his rookie season. However, he has the chance to be a real contributor in 2023. This is a pick for the future, with Leighton Vander Esch potentially departing after the 2022 season. Clark has great speed, athleticism and explosiveness. If he can come back from his injury firing, the Cowboys drafted a second-round talent in the fifth round.
New Cowboys rookie LB Damone Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery. He has a long road ahead and isn't expected to play in 2022. But Dallas is making a Day 3 investment on a player whose talent and character the team believes makes any risk worthwhile. https://t.co/Okw5R2QgdT
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) April 30, 2022
With the 176th pick, the Cowboys have selected LSU LB Damone Clark. He is likely to miss his rookie season with spinal fusion surgery. But when he was healthy, he was a playmaker with 135 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 pass deflections, 1 pick.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 30, 2022
The #Cowboys just took Damone Clark at No. 176 overall. A potential bargain if one of the nation's most productive linebackers comes back at 100%. https://t.co/UYvMjcy1Om
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022
