Darius Phillips, Western Michigan: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Western Michigan’s Darius Phillips is a savvy cornerback prospect who is a big-time turnover threat.

Darius Phillips has made a huge impact throughout his college career. He has totaled 11 career interceptions and several forced fumbles. This type of turnover production is exactly what defensive coordinators are looking for in a prospect.

Phillips has been able to tally so many interceptions mainly because of his instincts. He has a natural feel for the position and the ability to read the quarterback. Western Michigan runs a lot of zone coverage which allows Phillips to peek into the backfield and jump routes.

More from With the First Pick

He is a cornerback who isn’t afraid to take some chances and has the click and close ability to break on the ball. The combination of instincts, anticipation and solid hands are the main thing that jumps out when evaluating Phillips.

However, he is also a very well rounded prospect. Phillips plays with good balance and is committed to keeping his pad level down. This helps him remain in proper position and keep in-phase with this target. He features the size and length needed to matchup with most bigger targets.

Phillips features the burst and overall speed to turn and run with the speedy receivers. However, there’s also some physicality to his game. Phillips does a good job getting a bump at the line of scrimmage and disrupting the timing of the route.

His physical style of play also translates to the running game where he doesn’t hesitate to support. Phillips will fight through blocks and make sound tackles. He also looks to strip the ball from the ball carrier which adds to his turnover potential.

Phillips brings some added value thanks to his experience as a kick returner. Overall, this is a well rounded prospect with plenty of upside. His knack for creating turnovers is something that most evaluators will key on.