Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Draft grades: Capitalizing on early selections
By Ian Higgins
Pick Analysis. EDGE. Miami. 18. Instant Analysis. Jaelan Phillips. player. 59
With their second selection of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins opt to spread the wealth of draft capital and supplement a middling pass-rush with an elite edge-rusher from their own backyard. In his sole season for the Miami Hurricanes, Jaelan Phillips generated eight sacks in the absence of Gregory Rousseau and quickly asserted himself as their most impactful defender.
An active hand-fighter with exceptional athletic qualities, Phillips uses his six-foot-five length to distance himself from blockers with an effective stab and finishes his rush with exceptional bend for a player of his size. Lightning quick off of the snap, Jaelan Phillips is a complete package at outside linebacker primed to pounce at his opportunity in the NFL.
Although Phillips lacks the bulk to operate as a conventional run-defender setting a strong edge to funnel the play back inside to Miami’s collection of talent on the defensive line, he makes his mark by penetrating the offensive backfield and generating tackles for loss (15.5 with Miami in 2020).
Currently led by Andrew Van Ginkel and Emmanuel Ogbah, the Miami Dolphins’ primary pass-rushers have been found on the interior defensive line in recent seasons. Needing a player on the outside who can challenge tackles and make quarterbacks nervous with his presence, Phillips has the opportunity to become the face of another Miami defensive unit.