Jaelan Phillips a fit for Arizona Cardinals in 2021 NFL Draft?

Jaelan Phillips a fit for Cardinals? Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though it is only the third week of January, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah released his first mock draft this week. As usual it featured many surprises, but lets be honest, when does the first round of the NFL Draft ever go as planned? The Arizona Cardinals need help defensively; did Jeremiah help them out?

Personally I applaud Daniel for being bold and going against the current. Of course, he had some very common picks such as Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence going first overall and the Cincinnati Bengals selecting an offensive lineman.

However, he also featured some not so common picks such as Brigham Young quarterback Zach Wilson going second overall and Louisville wide receiver Tutu Atwell being selected in the first round. All in all, it sounds like Daniel’s mock draft was fairly well received. If you follow the NFL Draft, you are probably already familiar with Mr. Jeremiah, and you are probably also aware that there will be several more mock drafts from him by the time the 2021 NFL Draft comes around.

In the meantime, we shall take a closer look at some of the selections in his first mock of the year. By some, I mean one, and that one is the pick of the Arizona Cardinals.

Looking at the Cardinals pick

The Arizona Cardinals finished the 2020 season with a record of 8-8. The second season under Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray looked to be promising at times, but ultimately fell short of the postseason. Throughout the year they seemed to visibly lack some areas of their roster, one of which was a pass rusher. Daniel Jeremiah seemed to agree.

With the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select: Jaelan Phillips, edge rusher, University of Miami.

First of all, this is the first draft class in at least a few years that does not have an “alpha” pass rusher. There are no Nick or Joey Bosa’s, Myles Garrett’s, Chase Young’s, or Jadeveon Clowney’s. That being said, no one knows which pass rusher will go first this year. Phillips is widely regarded as one of the top three of this class, so if he is there for the Cardinals at 16th overall then they should be quite happy with that.

What does Phillips bring to the table?

More from With the First Pick

Jaelan Phillips started his collegiate career with the University of California Los Angeles football team, but transferred to Miami after his sophomore year. With Miami’s star pass rusher Gregory Rousseau opting out of the 2020 season, Phillips had more of an opportunity to showcase his talents. He showed them off well, posting 45 total tackles and eight sacks in 10 games.

His crafty handwork and elite athleticism should make him a very tempting option for any team on the board this April. Phillips also has a perfect frame, standing at six foot five inches tall and 260 pounds. He is Cory Kinnan’s EDGE6 at this point in the pre-draft process:

"“The ability to change directions on a dime is not lost on Phillips. He possesses plus bend, showing the ability to turn some tight corners. Winning on the outside track is the name of the game for Phillips as his hip and ankle fluidity allow for him to take advantage of larger, stiffer offensive tackles.”"

Next. Mock Draft: Zach Wilson jumps Justin Fields, Browns land EDGE help. dark

With a ceiling as high as the sky itself, Jaelan Phillips should be able to create a name for himself opposite one of the best pass rushers in the league, Chandler Jones. Daniel Jeremiah hit a home run for the Arizona Cardinals in his first mock draft of 2021.

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