When the Falcons used pick 2.10 in the PML 2027 Rookie Draft on Stanquan Clark, the message was clear: add speed, physicality, and long-term upside to the second level of the defense. Clark arrives as a 22-year-old weakside linebacker out of Louisville, bringing a modern linebacker profile built to survive in today’s space-heavy offenses.
At 6’3”, 236 pounds, Clark already looks the part. His 70 overall rating places him solidly in the league’s linebacker rotation conversation, but the traits underneath the rating are what make the pick intriguing.
Built to Fly to the Football
Clark’s athletic profile jumps off the screen. With 84 speed, 84 acceleration, and 78 pursuit, he has the range to chase plays sideline-to-sideline and close quickly when the ball declares. That speed pairs well with his physicality—86 hit power and 77 tackling make him a finisher when he arrives.
As a run-stopper archetype, Clark excels playing downhill. His 84 block shedding allows him to disengage from traffic and attack ball carriers, making him especially effective against outside zone and stretch concepts where speed and discipline matter most.
Learning Behind an Elite Linebacker Core
What truly accelerates Clark’s development is the linebacker room he’s stepping into. He won’t be asked to be the focal point early, which is ideal for a young defender still sharpening his instincts.
- Anthony Hill Jr. (93 OVR)
The centerpiece of the unit, Hill is an elite do-it-all linebacker. His instincts, awareness, and play recognition provide Clark with the perfect example of how to diagnose plays faster and take cleaner angles. Watching Hill prepare and operate is essentially a masterclass for a young WILL linebacker. - Yasir Abdullah (73 OVR)
Abdullah’s speed and experience help Clark learn how to survive in coverage matchups and space. Rotational snaps alongside him allow Clark to focus on assignment discipline without overextending. - Troy Andersen (71 OVR, Star Dev)
Andersen’s athleticism and versatility mirror parts of Clark’s own game. The competition between the two should push Clark to refine his coverage drops and improve his recognition, especially on play-action and misdirection. - JD Bertrand and Bam Martin-Scott
These depth linebackers reinforce fundamentals—gap integrity, run fits, and tackling consistency—helping Clark round out the less glamorous but essential parts of the position.
A Defined Role, Not Forced Responsibility
Early on, Clark projects as a rotational WILL linebacker and special-teams contributor. That role allows him to play fast, lean into his strengths, and gradually improve the mental side of the game—particularly play recognition (56) and zone awareness.
By limiting early exposure while emphasizing reps in controlled situations, the Falcons give Clark room to grow without sacrificing defensive stability.
Long-Term Outlook
Drafting Stanquan Clark at 2.10 was a bet on traits and trajectory. His speed, hitting ability, and physical tools give him a clear path to becoming a reliable starter once the mental processing catches up to the athleticism.
Surrounded by proven veterans and elite leadership at linebacker, Clark doesn’t need to rush his development. If his instincts sharpen and coverage awareness improves, this pick could quietly become one of the strongest value selections of the PML 2027 Draft—a tone-setting defender built for today’s fast, physical game.
