Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) celebrates a turnover against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft just roughly a month away Bear Goggles On will be breaking down a wide range of options for the Chicago Bears 2015 draft. We’ll profile different positions and different rounds where players who might fit with the Bears new management regime.
Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma
The Chicago Bears invested a couple of significant draft picks at the defensive tackle last season, drafting Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton back to back in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. But with a defensive scheme change on the horizon in switching to Vic Fangio’s 30-front, they may need a different body type inside. That could be found in the 6’5″ 329 pound frame of Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips.
College Career:
Phillips redshirted in 2011 and appeared in 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2012 while recording 12 tackles. Phillips’ sophomore season was cut short due to a back injury appearing in only 4 games. By the time his junior year rolled around, he was back in action, finishing the 2014 season with 31 tackles and 2 sacks. Phillips elected to forgo his senior year and enter the draft after the 2014 season.
Strengths:
Jordan Phillips possesses tremendous athleticism for a man of his size. His quick first step and quickness allows him to get a jump on opposing offensive linemen and occasionally blow up plays before they have a chance to develop. Good hands and technique help him shed would-be blockers. He anchors well and can be an effective run-stopper.
Weaknesses:
Phillips is still relatively raw and hasn’t pulled it all together yet. He still needs to develop consistency and learn how to make plays at the point of attack. A 2013 back surgery could raise a few medical red flags.
Bears Fit:
The Bears are shifting to a 3-4 defense and will need to reload with the best human talent. It’s unclear how Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton, last year’s draftees, will fit into the new scheme. The Bears have Jeremiah Ratliff to play the nose, but he’s had a history of injuries and is on the wrong side of 30. They added a few pieces in free agency that could slide inside, but they need some youth and depth to anchor their new defensive front. Phillips projects as either a 0-technique nose tackle or could shift outside to 5-technique. He would be a solid selection if he slides into the second round or if the Bears trade down.
Draft Projection:
Phillips is projected as a late first rounder or an early second rounder.