2018 NFL Scouting Report: Scouting Stanford defensive end Harrison Phillips

One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos on day two of the 2018 NFL Draft is former Stanford defensive lineman Harrison Phillips. He is a 6’4”, 307lb defensive lineman who is considered one of the better defensive lineman prospects in the draft. Phillips is ranked as the 5th best defensive tackle in the 2018 NFL Draft according to NFLDraftScout.com and is considered the 47th overall prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Phillips played four seasons at Stanford and put up impressive numbers, especially this past season. During Phillips four-year career at Stanford, he totaled 153 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 16.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 forced fumbles. This past year, Phillips totaled a whopping 98 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced fumbles.

Phillips awards and recognitions this past year included FWAA All-America second team (defensive line), the AP All-America third team (defensive tackle), the All-Pac-12 first team, the AFCA Good Works Team, the CoSIDA Academic All-District, the Lott IMPACT Trophy finalist, the Pac-12 All-Academic first team, the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 30), the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week (Oct. 30), the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week (Nov. 27), the Bednarik Award semifinalist, the Bednarik Award watch list, the Outland Trophy watch list, and Wuerffel Trophy watch list.

Harrison Phillips, Senior, Stanford

Height: 6’4” Weight: 307lbs 40 time: 5.21 seconds

Arm Length: 33 7/8” Hands: 10 3/8”

Bench Press: 42 reps(!!!!) Vertical: 32.0 inches Broad Jump: 103.0 inches

3 Cone Drill: 7.28 seconds 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.5 seconds

Film Room:

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• A Bill Kollar special
• Thick build
• A tackling machine this past season
• Very powerful player(42 bench reps)
• Takes on multiple blockers and sets the edge well
• A “lunch pal” guy who does all the dirty work in the trenches
• Quick off the snap and able to get into the backfield
• Moves well for a guy of his size
• Great instincts
• He’s quick off the snap
• Former three-time high school state wrestling champ which helps with hand usage
• Strong and active hands
• Active in the trenches
• Voted a team captain in 2017

Weaknesses

• Frame appears maxed out
• Does not have the longest of arms
• Not the greatest athlete
• Doesn’t have a wide variety of pass rushing moves
• Despite his strength, he does end up on the ground more than you would expect

Quotable:

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah on his 33rd ranked player, Harrison Phillips

Phillips is a powerful defensive tackle with excellent production and a non-stop motor. He dominates against the run. He jolts blockers with a quick, explosive punch before locating the football and collecting tackles. He understands blocking schemes, routinely defeating double-teams with his quickness and awareness. His lateral range is exceptional and he never seems to tire out despite rarely coming off the field. As a pass rusher, he generates a steady push with his bull rush and flashes a quick slap/swim move. He needs to improve as a finisher. He has some ankle tightness and struggles to flatten out once he gets upfield. Phillips offers immediate value on run downs and I believe he’s going to improve as a pass rusher at the next level. He reminds me of Kyle Williams coming out of LSU.

Does Harrison Phillips make sense for the Denver Broncos in the second round?

If Adam Gotsis’s legal trouble keeps him off the field, the Broncos will need to find another defensive end in their 3-4 scheme. I would imagine Broncos defensive line coach Bill Kollar who was adamant about getting Gotsis would feel the same about Phillips.

Phillips is not a flashy or sexy player. He does the dirty work in the trenches which helps his teammates make plays. He’s a powerful player who can eat blocks and take on double and triple teams like he did in college and still make plays. He’s incredibly active in the trenches and would just be an excellent addition to the Broncos defensive line.

I do not think Phillips will be a big-time interior pass rusher in the NFL, but I think he can contribute a little bit there. He will, however, make a living by being a blocker eater/run defender for whoever drafts him.

I like Phillips and if the Broncos have a need along their defensive line, I would gladly take Phillips.