Jaelan Phillips continuing his growth could create a very memorable season
The Miami Dolphins first three draft picks in 2021, Waddle, Phillips and Holland, all put in impressive rookie seasons. If all three players can continue to improve, the best Football Software is betting this could be a historical Phins draft class. MJ has already recently written about Holland, so I want to go over the other defender that made an impact in his rookie season last year.
Phillips was a sack machine as a rookie
Phillips started off slow last season, which is understandable for any rookie, and only had 1.5 sacks in his first 6 games. However, in his next 5 games he added at least a half of sack or more in each of those games for a total of 7 sacks. He didn’t have any sacks in the last 3 games he played, but had 2 stuffs and 1 fumble recovery. All-in-all, Phillips finished the season with 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2.5 stuffs and 1 fumble recovery. Pretty damn good for a rookie pass rusher.
Phillips is entering his second season, and with Miami bringing back Emmanuel Ogbah and signing veteran pass rusher Melvin Ingram III, the Phins’ pass rush must continue to be a strength for this team. The key statistical metric is sacks for any pass rushing specialist, so Phillips must generate more sacks and pressures this season to take his game to the next level.
Double digit sacks should be an attainable goal for Phillips this upcoming season, along with just being able to be more of an every down defender. Even Phillips has recently mentioned that he needs to improve in all aspects of his game, in order to be a three down defender. So while sacks are viewed as the foundation of a pass rusher’s game, if Phillips can improve in run defense and cover pass catchers when he has to, being a three-tool player will sign seal and deliver his elite status.
Jaelan Phillips has been hot in camp!
Phillips has been a force in minicamp with many pressures and would be sacks. While it doesn’t prove anything, it will build his confidence and the confidence of those who believe this kid will right to an elite level.
Coincidently, Phillips has a similar build and body type as former legend Jason Taylor. If Phillips can even get into Taylor’s ballpark, Miami will be in great shape for success. I think the skies are the limit for Phillips. and his work ethic combined with his skill set will make him a force in this league… And this season will be his coming out party!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts on Phillips and becoming a Pro Bowl talent?