Over the next four weeks WEEI.com will offer up a total of 28 prospects who could be potential Patriots selections in the 2021 NFL Draft. While the top five projected overall prospects – QB Trevor Lawrence, QB Zach Wilson, WR Ja’Marr Chase, TE Kyle Pitts and OT Penei Sewell – won’t be included, all other players at all positions will be considered potential targets for Bill Belichick and his staff. Today we look at an edge defender with injury concerns and an explosive upside.
Jaelan Phillips
Edge Miami
6-5, 260
Resume: Phillips grew up in Redlands, Calif., focused on music as well as sports. … Was rated the No. 1 overall recruit in the country coming out of high school, choosing UCLA over just about every other program in major college football. … Started six of 11 games played over two seasons for the Bruins, but missed 14 games to ankle, wrist and concussion issues. … Actually retired from football after 2018 and pursued a music career Los Angeles City College. … Then decided to return to football and transfer to Miami, sitting out 2019 due to transfer rules. … Started all 10 games played for the Hurricanes last fall, leading the team in sacks (8) and tackles for a loss (15.5) to go along with four passes defensed and an interception, earning Second-Team All-American honors. … Sat out Miami’s bowl game before declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Pre-Draft Buzz: According to The Athletic, Phillips suffered three concussions at UCLA and team doctors would not clear him to return to play, advising him to retire. … Phillips ran a 4.57 at his pro day. … Made plays out of both a two- and three-point stance off the edge for Miami. … NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah dubs Phillips the most talented pass rusher in the class while slotting him at No. 14 overall in his latest mock draft. … Some still question whether Phillips’ true passion is football or a music career. … The Ringer compares Philips to former Patriots first-round pick and current Cardinals edge force Chandler Jones. … NFL.com player profile writes that, “Philips might have the combination of length and athleticism that would allow teams to look at him with a hand on the ground or standing depending on his weight.” … Has the size, strength, athleticism and motor that teams target on the edge of modern NFL defenses.
Why Phillips fits the Patriots’ needs: For years the ideal measurements for an OLB/edge defender in Belichick’s system was a guy who was 6-4 who could run a 4.6 40. Phillips, who also brings 260 pounds of bulk, is indeed built in the mold a perfect fit for the New England defensive front. Though the Patriots invested in Matthew Judon in free agency in addition to the likes of Kyle Van Noy, Chase Winovich and Anfernee Jennings, Belichick has never be shy about adding versatile weapons to his defensive front. Phillips certainly has the talent and explosive upside to intrigue the defensive-minded Patriots boss assuming the team is comfortable with his rather concerning medical history.