3-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos, Bears trade up for quarterbacks
By Randy Gurzi
59. Scouting Report. Jaelan Phillips. 18. Pick Analysis. EDGE. Miami. player
18. Miami Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
The Miami Dolphins are now back on the clock with their own pick, which comes in at No. 18. They added Kyle Pitts earlier which really improves the offense. Now, they turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball and they land a player who won’t have to travel too far to join his new team.
Jaelan Phillips was with the Miami Hurricanes in 2020 and while he was originally behind Gregory Rousseau and Quincy Roche when it came to scouting for the upcoming draft, he really changed the narrative on him. Phillips was a transfer from UCLA where he flashed potential but dealt with several injuries.
He even decided to retire following the 2018 campaign due to lingering concussion concerns. But after a year away, he returned to the field for Miami and was phenomenal. Most importantly for him, he was also fully healthy.
As long as teams are comfortable with his medical issues, Phillips should still be a day one pick and there’s a real belief that he could be the best in the class. Of course, there’s still some risk involved but Miami has a lot of draft capital and can gamble a little. If it pays off, they’re going to look brilliant.