Vikings defensive line need could result in selection of sleeper defensive lineman
Defensive tackle has been a problem for the Minnesota Vikings when it comes to rushing the passer. They have yet to find someone who can generate pressure on the interior with consistency Going into the offseason, the Vikings have just three official selections with a fourth likely coming with a compensatory selection in the third […]
Defensive tackle has been a problem for the Minnesota Vikings when it comes to rushing the passer. They have yet to find someone who can generate pressure on the interior with consistency
Going into the offseason, the Vikings have just three official selections with a fourth likely coming with a compensatory selection in the third round. However they choose to use them, they need to make the most out of their limited resources.
The latest installment of our SKOL Search series focuses on a potential sleeper for the Vikings in Maryland DT Jordan Phillips.
Jordan Phillips
- Maryland
- Transfer from Tennessee
- Height: 6015
- Weight: 312
- Class: Third-year Junior
- Recruiting info: 3-star recruit in 2022 class per 247 Sports
- Stats: 58 tackles (31 solo), 3.0 TFLs
- Games watched: Iowa 2024, Indiana 2024, Iowa 2024
Strengths
- Athleticism: If you want a nose tackle with athleticism, Phillips has that. He also has the versatility to play across the line with his explosiveness off the ball.
- Powerful: Phillips is a powerful player with a stout frame. He has a wrestling and powerlifting background and has excellent strength when he engages with blockers. Phillips was on Bruce Feldman's Freaks List with a 665 lb. squat.
- Scheme Versatility: In today's NFL, it's good to have a guy on the defensive line who can play across the line in any front.
Weaknesses
- Production: The lack of production from Phillips over his three year career is startling. He has no sacks, passes defended, or forced fumbles with just 3.0 tackles for loss.
- Get Off: When Phillips gets off the ball, he struggles to get upfield rightr away. He kind of jump hops before moving forward, which in turn allows blockers to move him off his spot easily.
- Leverage: Phillips far too often loses the leverage battle in the trenches. He gets over his feet too often, which causes him to struggle two-gapping.
Overview
| Trait | Grade |
|---|---|
Quickness/Penetration | 14.3/20 |
Power | 8.1/10 |
Pass Rush Moves | 6.7/10 |
Counters | 6.6/10 |
Leverage | 7.2/10 |
Tackling | 7.3/10 |
Size/Length | 7.5/10 |
Run Defense | 7.4/10 |
Awareness | 7.2/10 |
Grade | 72.3 Fourth Round Grade |
Phillips is an intriguing prospect, especially since he's only 20 years od. He's incredibly strong and a good athlete at nose tackle. The really interesting thing with Phillips is that he has a great profile of strength and athleticism. What he doesn't have is it all put together yet.
There should be intrigue from a Vikings perspective, especially on day three due to his size, athleticism, and versatility across the defensive line.
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