NFL mock draft 2021: Four quarterbacks in the top five, Watson stays put

Jaelan Phillips has been one of the biggest risers as of late in this 2021 NFL mock draft process. While his teammate, Gregory Rousseau, got a lot of EDGE1 love early on, Phillips has come all the way up into that conversation.

After transferring from UCLA, where he signed as a five-star recruit, Phillips made a splash for the Hurricanes in 2020. Totaling eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in 10 games, Phillips was living in the backfield for Miami.

What stands out about Phillips that really impresses me is his hands. He is effective using his hands to prevent a blocker from getting into his body and is incredible at shedding blocks and finding the ball. Sometimes it seems like he has a sixth sense or eyes in the side of his head. He just has a knack for knowing when to disconnect from his block and make a play on the ball carrier.

Phillips can play in a two-point or three-point stance on the edge, or even bump inside and rush. A player like that is exactly what the Tennessee Titans need right now. Tennessee has tried its hand at many different rushers over the last handful of years, but few have truly panned out. I would not expect Jadeveon Clowney back in 2021, and unless they land J.J. Watt, they could be looking for a force across from Harold Landry.

Jaelan Phillips would be a great piece for Mike Vrabel and his defense and could come in and be a consistent contributor right away. Even if the Titans do go out and get a veteran rusher in free agency, Phillips can learn and develop and could possibly become one of the best in the league.