Kenny Clark is probably one of the 50 best players in football, so excuse the Green Bay Packers defensive lineman for feeling a little snubbed from “The Top 100 Players in 2020” list compiled by his peers.
Clark, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2019 and arguably the NFL’s best nose tackle, said he “didn’t know” what more he could do to get league-wide respect and found motivation in the snub.
“I gotta get just back to work and just keep proving myself again this year,” Clark told reporters during a Zoom call on Tuesday. “I plan on having another great year and, hopefully, they see that this year.”
Clark wondered if playing inside along the defensive line or a perceived lack of “splash plays” contributed to his snub.
“I don’t know what it is,” Clark said.
Last season, Clark produced six sacks, nine tackles for losses and 62 total pressures, the second-most among interior defenders. Over the last three seasons, he has 139 total quarterback pressures and 110 run stops, an impact tackle Pro Football Focus tracks. He’s pressuring the quarterback and making splash plays against the run, so production shouldn’t be a hurdle in his quest for recognition.
Clark is now entering a contract year and will be extra motivated to prove the doubters wrong in 2020.
The Packers put six players on the Top 100 list: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Aaron Jones, outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, receiver Davante Adams, left tackle David Bakhtiari and outside linebacker Preston Smith.
For reference’s sake, Clark ranked No. 34 on Touchdown Wire’s top 101 players list.
