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 Staff honors.
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 top-of-the-line defensive minds within the nation. An explosive and dynamic athlete, Phillips developed into a whole cornerback with a excessive soccer I.Q. and excellent read-and-react expertise 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 can proceed taking optimistic steps ahead on the subsequent stage.
His ball expertise are distinctive and the numbers replicate that. Phillips recorded an astounding 30 go 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 unfavourable performs.
Phillips is a quick-twitch athlete that was battle-tested by some wonderful receivers within the Pac-12. Within the largest of matchups, Phillips displayed his capacity to mirror-and-match opposing pass-catchers. Phillips’ change of route 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 known as “undersized” to his face his whole life. Phillips possesses elite aggressive toughness. Phillips is keen to return downhill and stick his nostril within the dust. A flexible expertise that performed each boundary cornerback and the nickel, Phillips’ hard-nosed spirit allowed him to thrive towards greater 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 cases of his physique and body not permitting him to make the performs his thoughts can. Phillips punches effectively above his weight class, however opposing NFL groups will sometimes discover success by forcing him to play by contact, or by finding mismatch alternatives on the catch level towards greater, 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 break up. The ten-yard break up was wonderful, however the 40-yard sprint was common. Phillips additionally posted a 33-inch vertical soar and 4.32 20-yard break 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 embrace current undersized draftees akin to 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 won’t 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 a little bit tight-hipped and can provide 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, good and is aware of the way to play. He ought to grow to be a strong nickel cornerback, however his success could possibly be tethered to matchups from week to week.
General, I’m not involved with Phillips’ lackluster displaying on the mix. Phillips’ tape highlights a aggressive, athletic, good and technically superior cornerback prospect. NFL common managers should determine how a lot they worth excellent measurement and measurements versus manufacturing and mentality. The 2023 NFL Draft options a particularly deep class of cornerbacks. Phillips ought to garner top-32 consideration.
