Jaelan Phillips is the edge rusher that Miami Dolphins wished Harris was

The Miami Dolphins have not found a suitable edge rusher since Cameron Wake left the team but Jaelan Phillips could be that guy for the Dolphins.

In 2017, the Dolphins invested a first-round pick in Missouri edge defender, Charles Harris. They probably could have drafted anyone else with that pick and got more production from them. Instead, it was a wasted pick and after three seasons he was traded to Atlanta for a couple of bags of pork rinds. They actually got a 7th round pick for him but that pick was subsequently traded. The Falcons, a day after getting Harris, declined his 5th-year option. Harris is currently with the Detroit Lions.

Miami had a great run of defensive edge players dating all the way back to a trade that brought Trace Armstrong to Miami. Armstrong was instrumental in helping Jason Taylor acclimate to the NFL and in turn, Taylor helped Wake. Sadly, Wake couldn’t help Harris.

Miami had a good one last year, Emmanuel Ogbah, but on the other side, there wasn’t much to brag about. Jaelan Phillips could change that.

Phillips has been called the best defensive player in this years draft and he likely would have gone in the top ten had it not been for early retirement due to concussions. His health is a concern but he took time off and returned with fury at the University of Miami.

Phillips has a quick move off the line and has plenty of tricks up his sleeve to get around tackles but he still has more room to grow and that is a scary notion considering how good he is now.

While many fans wanted the Dolphins to draft Najee Harris, it is understandable why Miami passed to get a top-of-the-line edge rusher who can break down a pocket with great set skills that will hold the edge against the run. Now, he will need to prove it on Sundays.