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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Dec 5, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) sacks New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon (2) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami Dolphins

2021 Stats:

  • 42 Tackles
  • 8.5 Sacks
  • 1 Fumble Recovery
  • 1 Pass Defensed

Jaelan Phillips didn’t have to travel far to go to his pro team as he spent his final collegiate season with the Miami Hurricanes before being taken at No. 18 overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft.

For a while, it looked as though dreams of making the NFL had died for Phillips, as he was unable to stay healthy with the UCLA Bruins. He played just six games in 2017 and another four in 2018 but then had to medically retire due to a high number of concussions suffered.

He returned to the field in 2020 with a new team and wound up having a breakout campaign for Miami. The redshirt junior registered 21 tackles, eight sacks, and a pick — which was enough to get him selected by the Dolphins.

Even though he had the talent, this still felt like a risky selection given the medical issues. But after one season, things look to be going well for Phillips.

As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 games, and while he had just five starts, he proved to be a valuable piece of the team’s pass rush. He finished with 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks, both of which were more than he ever had in a collegiate season.

More importantly, he has been healthy now for the past two seasons which should give Miami more confidence in his durability going forward.

Grade: B

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