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Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III enters the 2023 NFL Draft after beginning 31 profession video games throughout three seasons. Phillips earned unanimous All-American honors in 2022. He was a finalist for the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award (prime defensive again in faculty soccer) and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (greatest defender in faculty soccer). Phillips was named the 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Participant of the Yr en path to incomes Pac-12 All-Convention First Workforce honors.
2023 NFL Draft Choice
The Atlanta Falcons chosen Clark Phillips III with choose No. 113 within the 2023 NFL Draft. For full protection of the Clark Phillips choose, head over to The Falcoholic.
Clark Phillips III’s strengths
Learning Phillips’ tape is an exhilarating course of. Philips thrived whereas taking part in underneath the tutelage of highly-accomplished head coach Kyle Whittingham, who possesses probably the greatest defensive minds within the nation. An explosive and dynamic athlete, Phillips developed into an entire cornerback with a excessive soccer I.Q. and perfect read-and-react abilities throughout three seasons at Utah. Phillips’ ascension permits him to mix athletic traits with technical savviness. Phillips showcased constant enchancment at Utah, which insinuates he’s an ascending expertise that may proceed taking constructive steps ahead on the subsequent degree.
His ball abilities are distinctive and the numbers replicate that. Phillips recorded an astounding 30 move breakups and 9 interceptions at Utah. A defender that lives across the soccer, Phillips additionally compelled two fumbles, recovered one, and had 5 tackles for loss. Phillips routinely creates turnovers and damaging performs.
Phillips is a quick-twitch athlete that was battle-tested by some glorious receivers within the Pac-12. Within the largest of matchups, Phillips displayed his skill to mirror-and-match opposing pass-catchers. Phillips’ change of path skills enable him to sink his hips and make clean transitions all through the progress of a route. He can run step-for-step with receivers whereas staying inside their hip pocket.
Phillips performs with the temperament of a defender that’s been referred to as “undersized” to his face his whole life. Phillips possesses elite aggressive toughness. Phillips is prepared to come back downhill and stick his nostril within the grime. A flexible expertise that performed each boundary cornerback and the nickel, Phillips’ hard-nosed spirit allowed him to thrive towards larger receivers outdoors.
Clark Phillips III’s weaknesses
There’s no denying that Phillips is undersized. He measured in at 5’9 and 184 kilos on the 2023 NFL Scouting Mix. Phillips’ measurement deficiencies will result in situations of his physique and body not permitting him to make the performs his thoughts can. Phillips punches properly above his weight class, however opposing NFL groups will sometimes discover success by forcing him to play by way of contact, or by finding mismatch alternatives on the catch level towards larger, longer receivers.
Clark Phillips III’s highlights
Clark Phillips III’s 2023 NFL Mix outcomes
Phillips didn’t take pleasure in a very fruitful mix. Phillips ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.51 seconds with a 1.51 10-yard cut up. The ten-yard cut up was glorious, however the 40-yard sprint was common. Phillips additionally posted a 33-inch vertical leap and 4.32 20-yard cut up, which brings his explosion and long-speed into query. Phillips additionally posted 18 reps on the bench press. These outcomes led to Phillips scoring a disappointing Relative Athletic Rating of 5.37. Phillips’ MockDraftable athletic comparisons embody latest undersized draftees reminiscent of Amik Robertson and Marcus Jones.
What different persons are saying about Clark Phillips III
Lance Zierlein of NFL.Com had the next to say:
Phillips may not be an enormous, lengthy cornerback, however he’s a playmaker. He has the play traits to proceed down that very same path as a professional. He’s a voracious pupil of the sport and has developed a really feel for studying the quarterback’s drops and eyes. He’s slightly tight-hipped and may give away separation on the prime of the route, however when he’s clued in, Phillips makes use of aggressive angles to seek for takeaways. He’s powerful, sensible and is aware of the best way to play. He ought to turn out to be a strong nickel cornerback, however his success may very well be tethered to matchups from week to week.
Total, I’m not involved with Phillips’ lackluster displaying on the mix. Phillips’ tape highlights a aggressive, athletic, sensible and technically superior cornerback prospect. NFL normal managers should resolve how a lot they worth perfect measurement and measurements versus manufacturing and mentality. The 2023 NFL Draft options an especially deep class of cornerbacks. Phillips ought to garner top-32 consideration.
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