The Browns have now signed six of their seven 2020 NFL Draft picks. Phillips former LSU teammeate, S Grant Deplit, is the lone pick yet to officially ink his rookie deal.
Phillips was the leading tackler for the national champions last season.
He started the final two years of the three he spent in Baton Rouge where he totaled 218 tackles, 13.5 of them for a loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
“Jacob really has the physical characteristics of what we would consider our modern-era linebackers,” executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry said after selecting Phillips. “He has length, athleticism and speed. A really rangy guy, who is also good in pass coverage. We love his ability to play in space. We love his ability to run. We think he is going to be a really good fit within our group.”
Phillips joins a very young linebacker corps in Cleveland this season that includes Mack Wilson, but he will have an opportunity to contribute quickly.
“We really liked the length, the speed and the ability to play in the system,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said of the LSU product. “Those linebackers have to run. You see him running in that system they play down there at LSU. You see him running down the sideline going to make great tackles. Just a high-effort, high-motor guy.”