Overview

Position: EDGE

College: Miami

Class: Junior (RS)

Age: 21

Measurables

Height: 6’5 1/2”

Weight: 260 lbs.

Arm length: 33 1/4″

Hand size: 9 3/4″

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 4.56 sec.

Vertical jump: 36.0″

Broad jump: 125.0″

Bench press: 21 reps

3-cone drill: 7.01 sec.

Short shuttle: 4.13 sec.

Strengths

Great overall size and length. Thick and powerful lower body. Plus strength in general. Impressive burst/acceleration and athleticism for his size. Converts speed to power. Natural feel as a pass rusher. Hands are active and in sync with feet. Elite swim move both outside and inside. Uses a tight spin move. Can push the pocket some with power/length. Outstanding instincts and play recognition. Has flashed physicality taking on blocks against the run. Heavy hands to shed blockers. Good patience as a backside defender. Ideal overall discipline. Brings aggressiveness as a finisher. Very high motor and hustles to the ball. Gets up for quick deflections. Experience as both a stand-up rusher and with his hand in the dirt. Played some snaps inside.

Weaknesses

Concerning injury history with previous retirement due to concussion that ended his UCLA career. Questions about general commitment to football. Average quickness/bend at the top of his speed rush. Can get too high and stall out when he doesn’t win early.

NFL comparison

Maxx Crosby

Conclusion

Overall, Phillips is a prototype edge defender with the size and natural power/athleticism to cause havoc as a pass rusher and run defender. NFL teams will have to find out if he is 100% committed considering his history, but Phillips has the talent to be a first-round pick in April’s draft.

2021 NFL Draft Scouting Report: EDGE Jaelan Phillips