2021 NFL Draft: How high can Miami EDGE Jaelan Phillips soar?
By Jonah Hovis
The UCLA transfer made a big splash this year at Miami, which has upped his 2021 NFL Draft stock in a big way.
Jaelan Phillips, who started his collegiate career at UCLA and took a year off of football, had a huge redshirt junior year with Miami this college football season. Before the year, Phillips was not even seen as a starter at the U. They had Gregory Rousseau, who is a top-10 prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Temple transfer Quincy Roche, also a 2021 NFL Draft prospect, starting at both ends. Rousseau’s decision to sit out the season created a golden opportunity for Phillips to shine.
Phillips is current tied for second in the ACC with eight sacks and has shown the ability to create strong pressure towards the quarterback all season. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 266 pounds, Phillips is a physical bruiser at the edge rusher position. Phillips has also displayed great speed and agility at his size with great hand movement, which has made him an interesting prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Like mentioned, Phillips has eight sacks, 45 total tackles with 15.5 being for a loss, and an interception this year. Phillips also showed the ability to clog lanes and help out in the run game as well as create pressure on the passer. With the speed and flexibility to dip his hips, Phillips can beat tackles outside and also obtains the strength and power to go inside with power hand movement and force is enticing teams for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Phillips was completely under the radar coming into the year, but Rousseau declaring early gave him a golden opportunity. He has shown a nonstop motor and an impressive natural skill-set that has led to more and more attention for the 2021 NFL Draft.
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The Miami edge rusher is expected by most to be a Day 2 pick next April. That being said, this is a unique year and Phillips has consistently impressed as a playmaker up front for the Hurricanes. Do not be surprised if Phillips sneaks his way into the first round as a team bets on his upside at an extremely important defensive position.