ILB, Jason Phillips, TCU

ILB, Jason Phillips, TCU

Pros:   Has the size to play inside, probably in a 3-4 scheme, and should continue to gain mass and develop in the upper body.

Cons:  Mostly a grab-and-drag tackler. ... Better when the play is in front of him

Styg's Broncos Fit:  Mostly a backup candidate, Phillips does a little of everything, including long-snapping.  He is a physical tackler, and an adequate coverage player in zone.  He doesn't have the speed or quickness to hang with receivers in man coverage, but he does do a good job of keeping his eyes in the backfield and his awareness up.  Can play a little too aggressively, and can expose gaps, and he doesn't have the athleticism or quickness to make up for errors or pursue laterally.  He can, however, continue to grow and add bulk, and as a defensive role player and backup, he could have value.  If he falls far enough he could be a valuable consideration for immediate special teams contribution, and a handy backup and heir apparent to the long-snapping position. One star.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• "The timing could be worse, but it could be a lot better, too," Phillips said. "It is what it is, and I’m just taking it with a grain of salt and fighting through it."
  
  Phillips tore his meniscus during position drills at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 23. Dr. Dan Cooper, the head team physician for the Dallas Cowboys, performed arthroscopic surgery on Phillips’ knee Thursday. Phillips said his rehabilitation should take six to eight weeks.  [see more...]
• A four year starter at TCU, Jason Phillips offers some scheme versatility, but perhaps projects best as a 3-4 inside linebacker. Some questioned his athleticism but he showed well at the 2009 scouting combine and should be able to develop into a top flight backup at worst. He does not quite offer the playmaking ability to develop into a star, but offers a lot of dependability at a hard to find position.  [see more...]
• Coverage: Can be used in space as a zone defender, but is at his best in the middle. Flows towards the action and can see the intended target before the ball is thrown. Struggles to minimize separation in man coverage as his steps are too short and choppy, seems to anticipate breaks in routes too often and won’t move as fast as he is capable of.
  
  Shedding Blocks: Uses a strong jolt to the blocker to create maximum separation. Keeps his rear low and arms up. Usually has the positional advantage in relation to the blocker when contact is intitiated. Rarely does he get driven out of the play.  [see more...]
• A tough, instinctive linebacker who plays with passion and physicality on every play. Showcases ideal straight-line speed toward the perimeter and works hard in pursuit. Has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline and make plays outside the tackles. Displays good awareness in zone coverage and does a good job reading his keys. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and is always flowing toward the ball.  [see more....]
• What Phillips lacks in size, strength and athleticism, he makes up for with speed, heart and intelligence.  He is versatile enough that he could potentially play all three LB spots depending on the system he's in. Phillips is equally strong against the pass as he is against the run.  One of the major adjustments for rookie LB is the speed of the passing games in the NFL.  Phillips should be able to quickly adapt to this in the NFL.  With 2 pass break-ups this year Phillips has notched 11 total in three years along with 3 INT.  Not overwhelming numbers but indicative of his abilities in this area.  Where he stands out is his ability to crash backfields and disrupt plays.  He has notched 38.5 TFL in his career with 7.5 sacks.  He displays good speed and short area quickness against both the run and pass and does a good job of using his hands to defeat blocks.  Phillips has the skills to be a load on the blitz but must get better at finishing.  While not overly strong, he is physical and does not shy from contact and hits hard.  He has good technique tackling and usually takes good angles to the ball.  [see more...]