2023 NFL Mock Draft: Aaron Rodgers part of blockbuster trade in Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
52. Utah. 24. CB. Clark Phillips III. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Hardly anyone saw the Jacksonville Jaguars putting together the season they did. They were able to ride a second-half streak into the playoffs and even scored a huge comeback win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, they get to work rounding out their roster as they add Clark Phillips from Utah at No. 24.
Phillips doesn’t boast elite size (5-foot-10 and 185 pounds) but makes up for it with incredible instincts, toughness, and ball skills. He showed off all of that in 2022 with six picks and six pass defenses. In three years, he had a total of nine interceptions and brought four of them back for a touchdown.
Jacksonville has a talented front seven, and adding Phillips gives their secondary a much-needed boost.
Scouting Report. Clemson. 25. player. Pick Analysis. LB. Trenton Simpson. 31
25. New York Giants: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Brian Daboll did some great work this season with the New York Giants, getting them into the postseason during his first season as head coach. Now, they have to figure out what to do with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley who are both free agents. They surely want them both back but it will be interesting to see if the players price themselves out.
As for their move at No. 25, they use that selection to bring in Trenton Simpson from Clemson. As good as the Giants were in 2022, Jaylon Smith was their top linebacker and he finished second on the team with 88 tackles. Simpson provides a much greater athlete and could bring their defense to the next level.