Miami Dolphins select Jaelan Phillips in 2021 NFL Draft: Grading the pick

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier drafted University of Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips No. 18 overall. Grading the pick.

Miami Dolphins fans may as well get used to multiple picks in a single round. In back-to-back seasons, the Fins picked twice in the first round. In shocking fashion, Chris Grier chose to reunite Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After getting his quarterback a weapon on offense, Grier turned his attention to the defensive side of the ball.

With the No. 18 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins selected University of Miami edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. The pick comes as no surprise, given the needs the Dolphins have on their defense. Losing Shaq Lawson left a gaping hole on the edge, though his production wasn’t visible on the tat sheet.

Phillips comes in as a bit of an unpolished defender with elite traits. The 6-5, 260-pound edge rusher put on a clinic during his Pro Day. Phillips ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, jumped 36 inches, and benched 225 pounds 22 times. His blend of length and athleticism makes him dangerous off the edge. He doesn’t have an array of counter moves, but he does long arms and an elite first step.

Phillips bends well and dips underneath tackles, making it hard for tackles to get a hand on him. Against the run, he’s stout and does a great job using his length. He keeps his eyes on the backfield when tracking the ball carrier.

Additionally, Flores’ complex style moves defenders around — Phillips is ideal for that. He’s played in multiple fronts including, rushing from the interior. His athleticism is a plus if Flores wants to use him in drop-back situations. With Kyle Van Noy gone, the Fins could use a backer who can cover tight ends and backs.

Phillips brings versatility the Fins don’t have. he’s a dynamic pass rusher with the potential to be a 10 sack player per season.

Grade: A