Utah cornerback Clark Phillips surprised everyone by committing to the Utes out of high school. After all, Phillips was considered a lock for Ohio State after spending six months committed to the Buckeyes.
A four-star prospect, Phillips was considered one of the top cornerbacks entering college football. And it didn’t take long for Phillips to make his presence felt at Utah, becoming an immediate starter as a true freshman in 2020.
Phillips completed his collegiate career in 2022 by being named PAC-12 defensive player of the year and a unanimous All-American. He then entered his name into the 2023 NFL draft.
At the NFL combine in March, Phillips measured in at 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds while being timed at 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Of course, with so many focused on length and speed, Phillips wasn’t receiving the same type of praise as others in a deep cornerback class.
But the NFL is paying attention.
Phillips is an outstanding player, who can play outside or move inside to cover the slot. He’s tough and competitive with a high football IQ, meaning he will help someone immediately.
Could that someone be the Washington Commanders?
The Commanders have a need at cornerback, and Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network recently profiled Phillips, naming Washington as one of Phillips’ best potential fits at the next level.
As it stands today, Kendall Fuller is CB1a opposite Benjamin St-Juste. Whether Washington wants him to continue to live outside, slide into nickel (where he’s been best in his career), or do a little bit of both, Phillips can fit that role as well and play off of Fuller wherever he isn’t. He would provide another young alpha within a secondary flooded with youth-infused athletes.
Phillips isn’t going in the first round, which would allow Washington to focus on another position, like the offensive line, and still land a future starter at cornerback. Will Phillips go in the second round or fall to the third round?
One thing is certain; he will go sometime on day two. Phillips would be a welcome addition for the Commanders who love “position flex.” Phillips provides that at cornerback and at a high level.
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