With the 18th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins draft Jaelan Phillips, EDGE out of Miami. Phillips shot up draft boards the closer we got to the draft, and ended up being the first player taken at one of the most important defensive positions in the NFL. He is going to fit in fantastically on this defense, and will be welcomed with open arms by fans as a hometown star.
Jaelan Phillips Highlights
Jaelan Phillips NFL Draft Profile and Stats
Position: Edge Rusher
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 266 lbs
Age: 21
College: Miami Hurricanes
Jaelan Phillips 2020 Stats
Tackles: 45
TFLs: 15.5 Sacks: 8.0 QB Hits: 4
FFs: 0
Jaelan Phillips Draft Profile
Strengths
Jaelan Phillips is a true power rusher, and he is one of the best at it in the entire NFL Draft. He blows right through his matchup if they do not lock on cleanly. When shifting inside, he proved to be too long and quick for interior linemen. Aside from simply a power bull rush. Phillips has a strong Euro-step, helping his overall timing tremendously.
Weaknesses
Phillips has the tendency to get too high on the edge. He also telegraphs his moves far too often, failing to set up his matchup. However, the biggest red flag for Phillips is his injury history. Due to concussions, Phillips has already retired once. It could prove to be too much risk for teams to draft him with their first pick.
RELATED | Full Jaelan Phillips NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
What to Expect From Jaelan Phillips in 2021
If Phillips can stay healthy, he can make an immediate impact at the NFL level. He fills a need an edge rusher for Miami. He will also be a big help for the cornerbacks on the back end, since they won’t need to defend all day long. He is a Day 1 contributor for this team. Barring further injury or concussion related problems, Phillips should be a force in the AFC East for years to come.
