Jacob Phillips fills one very specific role
Cleveland’s second third-round pick, Jacob Phillips was seen as a bit of a reach by most draft analysts. The Browns took the risk because they saw something in Phillips’ game tape that he offered better than any other player available at the time.
Jacob Phillips: mobile QB spy. It might seem odd given how stiff in lateral movement Phillips can appear on tape and in drills, but at LSU he demonstrated the instincts, quick reactions and proper decision-making to become a very effective foil against dual-threat QBs. When the Browns face the likes of Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill and other QBs who can threaten with their legs as well as their arms, Phillips figures to play a lot.