Scouting: Jordan Phillips – DT, Oklahoma

 

Year: Sophomore (RS)

Ht/Wt: 6’5”/329 lbs

Expected draft slot: Late first round

 

 

I believe most of us thought that a deal would get done with the Ravens and Haloti Ngata. But as the zero hour approached for the official first day of the 2015 season, a deal was not in the cards, and Ngata was traded to the Detroit Lions along with a seventh round draft pick. In return, the Ravens get a fourth round, a fifth round pick, and the tall task of replacing the staple on the Ravens defensive front since 2006.

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The trade leaves the Ravens with Brandon Williams occupying the interior of the Ravens hybrid 3-4 defense (1-tech). Timmy Jernigan and Deangelo Tyson Would play along-side Williams in the 3-tech roles, and depth is shaky beyond that. Kapron Lewis-Moore is coming off his second straight season on IR failing to make it through training camp. Brent Urban is coming off an ACL tear in last season’s camp. Casey Walker is also on the roster but not expected to be a factor.  

The team and the fan base is excited about the way Williams and Jernigan played last year and they expect them to anchor the front in the trenches. It will be tough to replace the force of a player like Ngata, still regarded as one of the best at his position, and a rare blend of size, speed, power, and athleticism. Looking at the roster, the Ravens could be in trouble if they don’t bulk up that front a little bit with the unknowns they have in Lewis-Moore and Urban.

This is why I decided to take a look at Jordan Phillips. It would be unfair to compare a college player to Haloti Ngata. But when it comes to what Phillips does, he is about a close as it comes. He is suited best for a 3-4 defense. He is a massive man who eats up double teams, allowing LB to roam free. He is fleet afoot for a big man. Haloti was the 12^th overall pick, whereas the experts seem to think Jordan Phillips is a late first round talent. Right in the Ravens wheel house. Right around a lot of teams looking to improve on the defensive line, including the Packers, Cowboys, Broncos and Patriots. On to the tape.

Phillips shows off the speed he has for a big guy on this screen pass. He doesn’t catch him, but I would bet that on some stretch plays, you could find Phillips shedding blocks and cutting off the edge. He keeps up with the WR step for step.

Here is where a guy like Phillips will really earn his worth. Watch as he takes on the double team allowing the LB to move into the hole and bring down the ball carrier with ease. Textbook right here.

Again, Phillips taking on two men. This time, his DE mate runs a stunt and comes around him unabated to the QB. Easy sack. (Awful penalty though).

Agile for a big guy as Phillips get up and contorts in a way to bat the ball down, nearly created a turnover for his team to capitalize on.

This center had no chance on the bull rush of Phillips. Finishes the play and creates a sack.

Strengths:

– Big enough to handle double teams

– Nimble for a big man

– Fits in the 3-4 scheme

– Great swim and spin moves (finesse)

– Pretty good bull rush (power)

– Sheds blocks to make tackles

Weaknesses:

– Injury history (back surgery 2013)

– Experience, one full season of collegiate play

– A little upright at times

Summary: Don’t get it confused. Jordan Phillips is a big guy. Not a fat guy. Though he lines up in the 1-tech, I could see him with the agility he possesses playing all over the line. Similaer to Arthur Jones in his time here. in Baltimore.

Jordan Phillips might not be the next Haloti Ngata. I mean, who is? But he isn’t the next Terrence Cody either. I’m not sure if with just the one year of play at the college level under him, if he is ready to be an impact player right away for a team that drafts him. That could hurt his draft stock. On the other hand. If you are in the Ravens position where you don’t need Phillips to step in right away, he could be worth a shot because I don’t think he gets past the bottom of the first round. Consider that the Patriots released Vince Wilfork. The Packers run defense was the reason for not making it to the Super Bowl (and that poor guys hands on the onside kick). Terrance Knighton leaves Denver. It’s all about value when it comes to the Ravens and their picks. If they rate him as the 15^th best player in the draft, and he is there when pick 26 comes around because other teams pass on the inexperience, don’t be shocked if the Ravens pull the trigger on an unpopular pick.

C.J. Mosley was an unpopular pick. Everyone assumed Arthur Brown was ready to start along-side Daryl Smith, and Brown never the field. It goes without saying the Mosley pick already looks great. Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams look ready. But what about the rest?