NFL mock draft, 3 rounds: QBs, trades, surprises in latest predictions
2021 NFL mock draft: 18th pick
Miami. 18. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Jaelan Phillips. player. 59. Scouting Report
Dolphins GM/HC: Chris Grier/Brian Flores
Which edge rusher will be the first selected in the 2021 NFL Draft?
There are a handful of guys to choose from, but right now, no one knows which NFL team is going to pull the trigger on one first and what order they will have those guys in.
At this point, Jaelan Phillips seems like as good of a bet as any.
Although injury history has to be considered here, it’s possible that no pass rusher has greater potential in this class than Phillips. It’s also reasonable to say that no one had a better 2020 season.
A former five-star recruit in high school, Phillips showed promise in his initial collegiate years at UCLA. He blew up this past season as a member of the Miami Hurricanes with 15.5 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks in 10 games.
While many expected Gregory Rousseau or even Quincy Roche to be the top Miami pass rusher selected in this class, Phillips has given NFL clubs a lot to think about.
After going with somewhat of an injury risk earlier in this mock draft in Jaylen Waddle, Phillips would represent a high-risk, high-reward first round for the Dolphins, who could be getting someone here at a greatly discounted rate simply because of his college sample size.
Phillips can play a traditional defensive end role, he could stand up, and he could move inside to rush. I think the Dolphins and Brian Flores will love his potential.