Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Three players the Miami Dolphins could consider with the 18th overall pick

By Bradley Mauger

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs the ball during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs the ball during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaelan Phillips (EDGE, Miami):

The departure of Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson has left a big hole at pass-rusher. The returning sack leaders from last year are Emmanuel Ogbah (9), Jerome Baker (7) and Andrew Van Ginkel (5.5).

The team hasn’t added any reinforcements in free agency. The logical conclusion is that Miami will address the issue via the draft. I’ve got my eye on a guy who played college ball at The Hard Rock, Jaelan Phillips.

Phillips is the total package as an edge defender. Contrary to popular consensus, I believe he is the clear-cut top pass-rusher of this draft class and even stacks up well against top rushers of previous years.

That’s something you can’t say for a player available at 18. He’s got the size of a traditional 4-3 DE (6’5”, 265 lbs.) and the athleticism to play standing up in Flores’ 3-4 scheme (4.56 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical).

The former Miami Hurricane has an explosive first step to complement heavy hands and a bevy of moves. On film, he has been effective at setting up his moves early, only to counter off these moves later in games to keep opposing linemen on their heels.

Phillips is equally effective against the run, accounting for 15.5 TFLs and blowing up the line of scrimmage with an aggressive penetrating style. He had 45 tackles last season, good enough for second in the country amongst Power-5 defensive ends.

Phillips’ draft stock is mid 1st round because of concussions and wrist issues stemming back to UCLA in 2018. After transferring to Miami, he remained healthy throughout last season and showed everyone why he was a 5-star high school prospect.

Now two years removed from any injuries, the hesitancy surrounding Phillips has discounted his stock too much. Given his high floor and high ceiling, he very well could be the steal Laremy Tunsil once was.

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