Dolphins 2016 defensive tackle preview: Jordan Phillips
By Carlton Ray
The Miami Dolphins have high hopes for defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Phillips is expected to be the primary backup to both Ndamukong Suh and Earl Mitchell in 2016.
Defensive tackle: Jordan Phillips
Jordan Phillips joined the Miami Dolphins in 2015, when the team drafted him in the second round of the draft. Jones entered the draft after his junior year at the University of Oklahoma, and is 6’6”, 330 pounds, and is 23 years old. Phillips is expected to be at least a two down player, commanding double and triple teams, and shutting down the inside running game. With his size and strength, the hope is that he allows Suh to get the occasional single team, or that the two of them will take out four blockers, leaving the edge rushers and blitzers to take free runs at the opposing quarterbacks and running backs. Not only is Phillips huge, but he is athletic – Todd McShay of ESPN reported last year that Phillips can perform a standing back flip. Phillips is expected to be a star and anchor on the defense for years to come.
2016 preview
Phillips will enter training camp as the primary backup to Suh and Mitchell, but don’t be surprised if he takes over for Mitchell this year, at least on the early run downs.
If he can keep blockers off of Suh and the linebackers, Phillips will be the starter.
More from Dolphins News
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
- The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
2015 review
Phillips played in 15 games last year, and started 4 of them.
2015 stats
According to NFL.com, Phillips had 14 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 pass deflections last season, so he had a nice start to his career.
Previous teams
None. Phillips is a home-grown Dolphin, drafted in the 2nd round last year.
2016 Forecast
Can he be the next Tim Bowens? Phillips has the potential to have a big season this year, and by the end of the year should be starting in place of Earl Mitchell. Since he is a nose tackle type of player, his tackles and sack numbers won’t be huge, but if Suh, Mario Williams and Cameron Wake rack up a ton of sacks, and the linebackers can roam freely without being blocked, it will probably be because Phillips has been tying up blockers in the middle of the line.