It’s that time of the year again.
This is a different type of draft for the Browns this year as they are drafting to add depth.
With that in mind, NBC’s Dalton Johnson and Josh Schrock have the Cleveland Browns taking EDGE rusher Jaelan Phillips from the “U” at the 26th pick.
Studied #TheU pass rusher Jaelan Phillips today. Smooth operator off the edge. Tools to work with for sure. His best move is this Inside Swim. Won with it a couple of times in games I watched. Interested to see him test! #Miami #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/OPZYEM5uqt
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) February 4, 2021
Phillips is ridiculously talented.
During the 2020 season he racked up 45 total tackles, 8 sacks, an interception, and three passes defended.
He’s got good length and an ability to attack both the quarterback and play the run well.
Jaelan Phillips (15) length is a bit of a blessing and a curse, but he's very intriguing.
+ Good burst
+ Comfortable in space
+ Wins inside and bending the edge + games
+ Very good run defender both at POA & in pursuit
+ Variety of rush moves including rip, long arm, bull, spin pic.twitter.com/2p3xC0Bjb8— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) February 9, 2021
He is a big man, standing 6’5 and weighing 266 lbs.
He’s big enough to be a presence in both rushing and passing situations.
Is there a drawback to Phillips?
Perhaps.
He originally signed on to play at UCLA and spent two seasons on the field with the Bruins.
He medically retired in 2018 due to the effects of a concussion and a string of other injuries.
These included a major wrist injury, injuries to both ankles, and two other concussions.
After his medical retirement, he worked with his father and attended a community college before transferring to Coral Gables.
This type of injury history is hard to ignore, especially in regards to multiple concussions.
He is a top talent and stayed healthy at Miami this past season while putting up good numbers.
What if Phillips was gone by the time the Browns are on the clock?
Schrock and Johnson tossed out a few other EDGE rushers the Browns could call in the first round.
One of those players was Phillips’ teammate Quincy Roche.
He was second on the Hurricanes squad with 4.5 sacks and has a high motor.
His only drawback?
He weighs almost 30 lbs less than Phillips.
Quincy Roche: Most valuable edge defender in the 2021 draft class (per PFF WAR) pic.twitter.com/GxWes5F5Ny
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) February 10, 2021
Another name thrown around is Pittsburgh’s Patrick Jones II.
AT 6’5 255 lbs, he racked up nine sacks this past season while doing some damage at the senior bowl.
Pitt DE Patrick Jones II with the Sack 🔥#SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/7PwUqrzc95
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) January 30, 2021
Needless to say, this pick SHOULD be a defensive player after the struggles the unit had last season.
Getting Myles Garrett some help getting to the quarterback and adding some depth in the defensive backfield will make the Browns even more dangerous heading into 2021.
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