Jaelan Phillips 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Name: Jaelan Phillips

Position: Edge-Rusher

College: Miami (Fla.)

Height: 6’5 1/2”

Weight: 260 lbs

Overall Rank: No. 16 overall
Position Rank: EDGE1

Strengths: The best height-weight-speed prospect at the pass-rusher position, Phillips was dominant in the 2020 season at Miami. A former five-star recruit out of high school, Phillips has legit speed-to-power conversion and plays with excellent fire and with a non-stop motor. He makes plenty of effort plays in the pass and run game thanks to his effort but is also seen quite often running down quarterbacks and ball-carriers with elite closing speed. Phillips uses his length and burst well to set up and shed blockers. He knows how to use double moves to get blockers off balance and then counters with power. He’s athletic enough to work in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme and can rush with his hand down or from a stand-up position. His awareness and acceleration are the best in the class.

Weaknesses: Four concussions at UCLA (plus an ankle injury) had Phillips retiring from football briefly. He resurfaced at Miami and was excellent, but how teams view the injury history will determine where he’s drafted. On the field, Phillips could stand to add play strength in the run game. It would also help him better set up a countermove in the pass rush game.

What I Love: Phillips’ burst is impressive. It’s the first thing you notice on his tape, and he’s doing it from a hand-down position. His ability to step right in as a 43DE makes him very valuable if the medicals check out.

NFL Comparison: Jason Pierre-Paul

Grade: 90/100

Position Specific Traits:

(key: +, ++, +++ positive scale | -, - -, - - - negative scale)

Athletic Ability: +++

Pass Rush Power: +

Pass Rush Speed: ++

Run Support: +

Speed/Burst: +++

Strength: +