2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 26th overall
Pick Analysis. DE. Jaelan Phillips. player. 53. Scouting Report. Miami. 26
The style of football coach Kevin Stefanski likes to play is pound the ball with the running game on offense, and play great defense. However, in order for this style of football to work, you have to have a defense that ranks better than 21st in yards per game. Due to this so-so defense look for the Browns to address this side of the ball in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Even though the weakest position on the defense is linebacker, the team and their analytic approach doesn’t believe in investing heavily in that position. Due to that philosophy, I have them picking a defensive end at the 26th spot in the 2021 NFL Draft. This is also a need for the team as they need a pass rusher opposite Myles Garrett as last year’s starter Olivier Vernon is coming off a torn achilles and will also be a free agent this offseason.
Miami’s Jalen Phillips would be a good fit for the Browns to fill that need at defensive end. Phillips started his career off at UCLA but battled injuries throughout his time with the Bruins. Phillips then decided to transfer to Miami before the 2020 season and had a great year for the Hurricanes as he recorded 15.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. As a prospect, he shows the size, athletic ability, and hustle that makes you think he could be an impact player in the NFL.