Packers WR Michael Clark Still Exists, and He's Still Turning Heads
Venturing to Green Bay to join a roster that is already jampacked with talent at wide receiver doesn't bode well for most draft picks, let alone undrafted players.
Yet, somehow, Michael Clark still comes up in conversation even over three months into the regular season and three months after he was turning heads at training camp.
"I see a lot of Mike Evans in him," said Packers cornerback Davon House, according to Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, who competed regularly against Clark in August. To House, some of Clark's flashes both then and now carry some similarities to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' former first-round draft pick and 6-5, 231-pound superstar wide receiver.
"He has the same talent level as [Evans]. The guy's tall, he can run with how tall he is, catches every ball that's thrown to him."
Clark's 33-inch vertical leaping ability and stature—6-6, 217 pounds—make him a spectacle and a rather interesting developmental specimen for the Packers to keep in the building for receivers coach Luke Getsy. He's already earned the praise of his teammates, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who noted back in August that Clark makes "wow" moments in practice.
Evidently, three months didn't change that mantra.
Michael Clark [89] only played one season of collegiate football before declaring for the draft and being signed by Green Bay as an undrafted, physically imposing spectacle. (Jim Matthews/USA TODAY Sports)
Even House, the veteran cornerback responsible for the sudden praise of Clark, has had his fair share of "wow" moments with the former basketball player from the Saint Francis Red Flash -- only, House was on the opposite end of that spectrum.
Clark caught an undercut back-shoulder throw and a leaping reception on a fade route for a touchdown during one of the Packers' training camp practices, wrote Pete Dougherty in August. It's plays like that which provide more of an understanding of why Clark kicked aside a Division I basketball scholarship to play football at Marshall.
"Clark is going to be phenomenal, I'm telling you now," House said. "I told him earlier today that you might get some cut-ups of him and put it on his tape, because if he can play anything like [Mike] Evans, he's going to be really darn good in this league."
He's still the odd man out, but the fact that an undrafted receiver who last played football his freshman year of high school prior to his lone season at Marshall has stuck around on the practice squad for this long is definitely a positive sign. A receiver with the capabilities of Clark is one worth keeping stashed until the day comes that his services are needed.
Until then, it's about consistent improvement for Clark, which would help keep him afloat in relevancy.
"When he came here, he couldn't get off the jam just because he's so lanky. But he found a way to learn how to release a lot better and started running a lot better routes. Usually, tall guys all they can do is go deep, but now, Clark can get in and out of his breaks."
Clark did have offers from other teams in May when he initially signed with the Packers, however, he chose to make Green Bay his home. He resides in the wide receivers room with Getsy, who was born and raised in Pennsylvania where Clark once dominated the hardwood.
Coach Mike McCarthy said in August that Clark "has a long ways to go," in terms of his development. By now, you have to wonder if McCarthy's sentiment remains the same.
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (36)
Johnblood27
December 01, 2017 at 09:15 am
Like I respect or trust ANY words from the coach-speak drunk MPM.
If Clark is so damn good, get him on the roster and get him the damn ball.
Dont sing it, bring it.
Talk is CHEAP.
Actions speak louder than words.
Get it? Thats how a football team should be run.
Do it or walk, put up or shut up.
I have had enough of losing, there is NO excuse for it other than leadership or lack therof.
Bye Bye MPM, DC, TT and crew.
HankScorpio
December 01, 2017 at 09:33 am
They why come to read what they say?
Johnblood27
December 01, 2017 at 11:01 am
MPM doesnt have a byline here. Maybe I read here because of that. Maybe it is something else.
I love the Packers, I have for 6 decades.
I do not love every coach or player that has come through.
Coaches and players come and go, the franchise remains as does my loyalty. God, Family, Country, Green Bay Packers.
I will continue to reserve my right to criticize those I feel deserve it.
I praise good performance, not just spew negative thoughts, if I have some negative thoughts occasionally, you can refrain from reading them if they clear your green and gold glasses.
HankScorpio
December 01, 2017 at 11:33 am
Ok, that's cool. It just struck me as odd to see such an angry rant about McCarthy's talk in an article that didn't have any quotes from him.
As for my glasses, the tint they have works just fine for me.
I hope the rest of your Friday goes better than the start. :)
Three and Out
December 01, 2017 at 09:27 am
Sounds like he's got great potential at WR. Won't be long now till they convert him to a defensive lineman.
RCPackerFan
December 01, 2017 at 09:49 am
Back when they signed him after the draft I did some research on him. I was really impressed with him considering he hadn't played since his freshman year of high school.
I knew he needed a lot of work and to be developed and a year on the PS would be the best thing for him. Hopefully he can either remain on the PS or get moved up to the 53 so another team doesn't try and take him.
If he can remain with the team, I think this next offseason will be huge for him and his development. I would not be surprised if he does make the 53 next year, and if he would contribute.
He is completely different from any of the packers other WR's. A guy who can simply out jump anyone for a ball.
If the Packers get ruled out of the playoff race in the next few weeks, I would love to see them bring him up to get some game experience. See what he can do in real games.
rdent
December 01, 2017 at 11:29 am
RC, my thoughts exactly. Shhhhh, don't talk him up while he is on the PS, he might get snatched up.
RCPackerFan
December 01, 2017 at 11:43 am
lol, right.
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 02:07 pm
Better done than said
Roadrunner23
December 01, 2017 at 11:33 am
Get him in the weight room and up to about 235-240 and make him a WR/Tight End, our Tight End room is razor thin.
HankScorpio
December 01, 2017 at 11:36 am
Not a bad idea. The Packer offense has a more dangerous feel about it when there is a guy like Finley or Cook on the field. Sounds like this kid might be able to turn into that kind of player.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 01, 2017 at 11:15 pm
Clark is running a 4.53 forty (at a pro day, mind) at 6'5.5" and 217 pounds. That combination makes him special. To be a tight end, he'd have to gain 25, and probably 35 pounds.
Leave him be.
Rossonero
December 01, 2017 at 11:44 am
Tight end makes more sense to me for Michael Clark. He is a very intriguing and important prospect considering the delicate future of our WRs.
Nowadays, lots of TEs are essentially WRs. For example, Jimmy Graham, Gronk, etc. I know it means he'd have to learn how to block, but a 6'6" WR seems like it's pushing it for height...on the other hand, what do I know? Traditional heights and weights are changing all the time. Give him a shot at WR, if it doesn't work, then try TE.
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 02:06 pm
I totally agree! ! Can he block?
Rossonero
December 01, 2017 at 03:52 pm
As of now, no idea. Probably not very well. I hope he stays on the team long enough so we can see him in game action.
cheesycowboy
December 01, 2017 at 01:55 pm
He is a specimen with skills. If the light comes on he will be Calvin Johnson dangerous. Good Night and Go Herd!
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 02:05 pm
Sure..right. .uh huh
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 03:12 pm
He will be Calvin Johnson what a joke dude Kevin Johnson's probably a Hall of Famer Megatron
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 02:04 pm
Yeah we heard all this stuff about Todd Gurley and we waited forever on Jeff Janis and there was a guy from Alabama he was a 4th round pick something with his feet and he had surgery on him he didn't pan out either and and what about our two draft pick of Yancey and Micah whatever his name was from LSU and what about Jared Boykin it's all a bunch of hyped up crap just put the guy in the game in red zone 20-yard line have him jump up tand bring the ball for a touchdown I got a 6ft 6 33 inch vertical. ..just do it
cheesycowboy
December 01, 2017 at 02:54 pm
Wow, that's amazing. Ted must have missed on you with your athletic skills and coaching acumen. smh
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 03:11 pm
Yes and I'm better than Michael Clark hands down I can go in the NFL anytime I want to I can take the package to the Superbowl all Aaron Rodgers to got to do is just throw me the ball that's all I do is score touchdowns baby
Doug Niemczynski
December 01, 2017 at 03:14 pm
He is probably like Jeff Janis and cannot run a route
RCPackerFan
December 01, 2017 at 04:07 pm
Clark added to 53. Montgomery put on IR. By making this move I have to believe he has shown a lot on the PS. Or maybe he was being recruited to another team. Either way I'm happy to have him on the 53.
rdent
December 02, 2017 at 08:39 am
RC, I think it was a good move to place Ty Montgomery on IR, apparently that rib injury wasn't getting better, I believe he reagravated it and like you said Clark must have shown enough to get him on the 53. And at this point imo it won't hurt to get some of these young players out there, see what they can bring.
RCPackerFan
December 02, 2017 at 09:01 am
Yeah I agree. I had heard with Montgomery it was his wrist? Apparently he hurt his wrist around the Bears game and it wasn't getting better. I think the ribs had something to do with it too.
I hope we get to see Clark play. At the very least he should be a hell of a threat in the red zone.
NickPerry
December 02, 2017 at 09:05 am
It's a wrist injury that put him on IR, NOT the ribs. There's a piece on ESPN Milwaukee about it if you want to check it out.
Oops....RC beat me to it.
rdent
December 02, 2017 at 05:20 pm
They should be ok with Jones and Williams, hoping they stay healthy.
Tundraboy
December 01, 2017 at 05:25 pm
Physically, he looks the part, but other sport conversion projects have not been working out, so I'll reserve judgment. And of course there is MM's drag your foot along manner of playing rookies. After we're eliminated, perhaps he'll have a game that will show he could be the real deal.
4thand1
December 01, 2017 at 07:13 pm
MM always seems to say about good young talent," he has a long way to go". Then they don't see the field for a couple of years.
Coldworld
December 01, 2017 at 09:41 pm
He was raw as anything in training camp and yet still made plays. This guy offers something different and that is something we need in our catchers. I am glad we held on to him. Let’s not knock a guy for actually having some potential to contribute just because we are down on TT, MM and co.
4thand1
December 02, 2017 at 08:53 am
I'm not knocking him, I say get him on the field, especially if the games don't mean anything. I they lose another game let these young guys play
Samson
December 02, 2017 at 12:07 am
"a roster that is already jampacked with talent at wide receiver"
Sorry, Zach --- I can't believe you even said this.
Jordy, Cobb, D. Adams, Geronimo, Davis and Janis. -- Jordy is 32 years old and slower.-- Cobb reached his peak 2 or 3 years ago.-- Geronimo = JAG.-- Davis = a faster JAG.-- Janis - on the roster because TT drafted him (one of many).
At least half (maybe more) of this list won't be on the 53 man roster next year (especially if TT, MM and their comrades are shown the door after 2017)
If Clark can beef up to 240 or 250 he just might have a long-term stay in GB. -- Anything would improve the TE disaster that exists in GB right now. -- Lance with 10 receptions and R. Rodgers with a whopping 7 receptions after 11 games. --- To think everyone was talking about the 2-TE threat GB would have in 2017. --- Funny now but also sad.
rdent
December 02, 2017 at 05:40 pm
Since Finley GB just can't seem to get that TE they need. I looked up Jared Cooks stats for this season through 11 games.
Rec. 42. YDS. 537. YPC. 12.8. TD. 1. Not great but...
aaronqb
December 02, 2017 at 11:16 am
Davon House's comment probably alerted other teams to his potential, caused one to try to sign him, and forced the Packers to promote him to the 53 (or lose him). As I read House's comment on Thursday, I thought there was a high likelihood that something would happen soon.
aaronqb
December 02, 2017 at 11:16 am
Davon House's comment probably alerted other teams to his potential, caused one to try to sign him, and forced the Packers to promote him to the 53 (or lose him). As I read House's comment on Thursday, I thought there was a high likelihood that something would happen soon.
Doug Niemczynski
December 02, 2017 at 01:01 pm
Play the guy in the red zone...but he will probably ride the bench like G.Allison..what a waste of talent.