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RD 5 - Bengals select DARIUS PHILLIPS, CB / KR


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Image result for darius phillips cb

 

5'10 

193 lbs

4.5 (40)

 

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7
NFL Comparison
Charles Gaines
Overview
Ball-hawking cornerback with athletic ability and short area quickness to handle man coverage from slot and the instincts to play zone effectively. Phillips will have to move inside due to his lack of size so his issues in run support could be exploited by offensive coordinators. He should test well at the Combine so his draft value will depend directly on how teams prioritize toughness versus ball skills.
Strengths
  • Adequate quickness in his backpedal
  • Has lateral movement to disrupt route release
  • Can turn and sprint without a hitch
  • Plays with body control and doesn't panic in his coverage
  • Closes distance to receiver on vertical throws before turning to find ball
  • Stays in phase against comeback routes
  • Fluid from route to route in zone
  • Anticipates routes and throws
  • Former wideout with plus ball skills
  • Able to track and high-point downfield
  • Understands when to break it up and when to take it away
  • Strong ball production totals for three years
  • Takes initial step towards passing lane when closing on throws
  • Pulls and rakes at catch point
  • Has four years of kick return experience including five touchdowns
  • Handled punt return his final two seasons
Weaknesses
  • Has to clean up some of the excessive hand-checking
  • Can be lackadaisical when playing trail technique
  • Will peek in backfield too long allowing workable separation
  • Short strider may lack the makeup speed to make plays once he's beaten deep
  • Doesn't have height and length to play outside
  • Takes occasional dicey angles that lead to big plays
  • Looks small and plays small against the run
  • Passive demeanor in run support will make him a target
  • Gives in too easily to blocks and waits for others to make the tackle
  • Grab and drag tackler
Sources Tell Us

"He's a pretty good man cover talent but he's just so soft against the run. He's a pure nickel who can play man or zone and he gets the ball so he's going to play." - NFC North team area scout
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