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.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 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.
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.
No, I'd agree. Just not by very much.I'd say Kirksey's career, prior to the injuries, exceeded his draft position. Am I wrong?
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.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.
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?