Pass rusher is a key need for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 draft. The team has a few players already on the roster who can get to the quarterback, but could use a few more options at edge rusher, as they only have three currently on the roster.
A star prospect who could help add some pass rushing juice is Jaelan Phillips. The 6-foot-5, 258 pound Phillips would make an immediate impact, as he has all of the traits to be dominant at the NFL level. He wins with his size, strength, athleticism and technique, dominating with power as well. He also has a number of pass rush moves that he can choose from to stun offensive linemen with.
Jaelan Phillips would be a monster off of the edge for Baltimore pic.twitter.com/0Ata4oAJuD
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) April 25, 2021
Phillips put up 86 total tackles and 12.5 sacks during his three years in college, including eight during his final year in 2020. He also defends the run at a high level, so if selected by the Ravens he would provide high level play in multiple areas of the game.
The biggest concern when it comes to Phillips is his lengthy injury history. He had a plethora of injures at UCLA, where he first started his college career, including wrist, ankle, and concussion problems. He medically retired while playing football for the Bruins, but transferred to Miami after deciding to give football another shot.
If Baltimore is confident with Phillips’ medicals, he’d be a home run selection for the team. He is currently projected by most to go before the Ravens’ select at pick No. 27, but if they want to trade up to select him they now have the ammunition to do so.