The Dallas Cowboys made nine picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but their real challenge lies in evaluating the undrafted players they’ve signed afterward. In the days following the draft, the team brought in nine undrafted free agents (UDFAs), each bringing unique qualities that could help them secure a spot on the roster for the upcoming season.
Among these UDFAs, one player stands out as a potential gem: Syracuse safety Alijah Clark. With a mix of talent and need, Clark could turn out to be a key contributor, leaving rival teams regretting passing on him.
Alijah Clark: A Sleeper Pick in the Cowboys’ UDFA Class
The Cowboys took several risks with their UDFA signings, but Clark, a 6-foot-1, 188-pound safety, is one of the most intriguing options. Ranked 22nd among safeties in Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” guide, Clark showed versatility by playing various roles at Syracuse, including nickel, field, and boundary safety.
His relative athletic score of 6.68 might be the reason he went undrafted, as many teams tend to favor more athletic prospects for versatile defensive roles. However, Brugler notes that Clark plays with urgency and delivers a strong, impactful presence.
At 21 years old, Clark is projected as a potential nickel cornerback, an area where the Cowboys have an immediate need. After losing starting slot corner Jourdan Lewis to a big free-agent deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas is left with a lackluster competition for the role, including Israel Mukuamu, Kemon Hall, and Troy Pride Jr.
Although Clark didn’t play much man coverage as a slot corner, his well-rounded skill set stands out. He tallied 187 career tackles across four seasons with Rutgers and Syracuse, including 61 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and an interception in his final year at Syracuse.
Like many UDFAs, Clark doesn’t have a guaranteed spot on the roster, but if he performs well during training camp, he has the potential to earn a role and perhaps become a player that other teams will regret overlooking.
