2020 NFL Draft - Pick #97 - Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU

[DJTJ]

Here’s my guess; he left a year earlier than he should have, and they’re hoping they get that year of growth in an NFL program to maximize it.

 

[Jordan]

I remember Kirksey being an underwhelming selection way back when too as a third round linebacker. He, like Phillips, was propped up by his intangibles, and those translated extremely well to the NFL.

I'm hopeful.

They are somewhat similar prospects. Phillips is substantially worse in coverage but is a better tackler. They both projected to be run-stopping specialists, at best. Neither will ever be successful pass-rushers nor able to cover the other team's tight end on a regular basis.

Both are low-ceiling guys that will, nonetheless, definitely have a career in the NFL as a specialist and special teamer.

 

[Ohio]

I remember Kirksey being an underwhelming selection way back when too as a third round linebacker. He, like Phillips, was propped up by his intangibles, and those translated extremely well to the NFL.

I'm hopeful.

We think Kirksey has translated extremely well?

I mean, I'd say he's performed above-average for his draft position, but he's a pretty mediocre NFL player.

 

[Cassity14]

We think Kirksey has translated extremely well?

I mean, I'd say he's performed above-average for his draft position, but he's a pretty mediocre NFL player.

I'd say Kirksey's career, prior to the injuries, exceeded his draft position. Am I wrong?

 

[FrontPageNews]

I remember Kirksey being an underwhelming selection way back when too as a third round linebacker. He, like Phillips, was propped up by his intangibles, and those translated extremely well to the NFL.

I'm hopeful.

hopefully it doesn’t take him 3 years to become a starter like kirk did.

 

[Lee]

hopefully it doesn’t take him 3 years to become a starter like kirk did.

Well seldom do late 3rd lb's start from day 1 or in the first year.

 

[red.]

Just turned 21. Probably just got done growing. I like this pick.

Taki, Mack, Phillips.

 

[Ohio]

I'd say Kirksey's career, prior to the injuries, exceeded his draft position. Am I wrong?

No, I'd agree. Just not by very much.

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

FYI, and this is a running theme in this draft, Phillips only just 21 years old. Big part of drafting and finding guys who can outperform their draft slot is age of the player.

 

[CBBI]

For what it's worth, I don't think there's a significant difference between Phillips and Malik Harrison from an athleticism or style of play standpoint. They're both athletic, downhill, run stopping types.

How much long-term potential/playability Phillips has at the NFL level pretty much boils down to how much improvement he can make as a pass defender over the next couple of years. Hard to play a LB a lot of snaps in today's NFL if he can't cover.

If the Browns could combine Phillips with Mack Wilson (a good zone defender, poor at everything else), they may really have something.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

For what it's worth, I don't think there's a significant difference between Phillips and Malik Harrison from an athleticism or style of play standpoint. They're both athletic, downhill, run stopping types.

How much long-term potential/playability Phillips has at the NFL level pretty much boils down to how much improvement he can make as a pass defender over the next couple of years. Hard to play a LB a lot of snaps in today's NFL if he can't cover.

If the Browns could combine Phillips with Mack Wilson (a good zone defender, poor at everything else), they may really have something.

I want to agree with you, but going back and watching generic Youtube highlights (obviously the best way to evaluate a prospect) I see Malik Harrison really standing out in comparison to Phillips when it comes to dropping back into coverage. Both better movement, and a much greater difference when it comes to elevating for passes thrown above his head.

Moving forward, or in a straight line, I'd agree that there isn't a tangible difference.

 

[Smooth]

Browns post-draft press conference confirmed they see Phillips at WILL, which means he'll compete with Takitaki at that spot and should be able to contribute right away if he shows well enough..

I'm not sure he has the athletic profile or coverage for WILL, and I really don't think Takitaki does either, but Browns seem to think he does...

EDIT for Berry quote on Phillips:

“He has the length, speed and range of a modern NFL linebacker. I love his ability to play in space (pass coverage).”

 

[Cassity14]

Browns post-draft press conference confirmed they see Phillips at WILL, which means he'll compete with Takitaki at that spot and should be able to contribute right away if he shows well enough..

I'm not sure he has the athletic profile or coverage for WILL, and I really don't think Takitaki does either, but Browns seem to think he does...

EDIT for Berry quote on Phillips:

“He has the length, speed and range of a modern NFL linebacker. I love his ability to play in space (pass coverage).”

maybe we can start a new thread if this is too off-topic, but can someone give me a quick breakdown of the different linebacker position names and what separates them, and even why they’re named that? I always get lost when discussion shifts there.

I believe I’ve seen WILL, MIKE, and SAM. Are there any others?

 

[mds]

maybe we can start a new thread if this is too off-topic, but can someone give me a quick breakdown of the different linebacker position names and what separates them, and even why they’re named that? I always get lost when discussion shifts there.

I believe I’ve seen WILL, MIKE, and SAM. Are there any others?

Linebacker - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

"In a 3–4 defense, the larger, more run-stopping-oriented linebacker is usually still called "Mike", while the smaller, more pass protection/route coverage-oriented player is called "Will". "Mikes" usually line up towards the strong side or on the side the offense is more likely to run on (based on personnel matchups) while "Wills" may line up on the other side or even a little farther back between the defensive line and the secondary."

"In the 4–3 defense there are four down linemen and three linebackers. The middle linebacker is designated "Mike" (or "Mac") and two outside linebackers are designated "Sam" and "Will" according to how they line up against the offensive formation. If there is a strong call, the linebacker on the strongside is called "Sam", while the linebacker on the weakside is called "Will". "

 

[red.]