It’s a near certainty that at some point in the draft, the Los Angeles Rams will draft a cornerback. They’ll probably draft a safety, too. Whether it’s in the second or seventh round, the Rams need to address their secondary, which has lost four starters this offseason.
Clark Phillips III out of Utah is a defender who could help the defense in a variety of ways. He’s a versatile cornerback who lined up outside, in the slot and in the box during his college career, showing the ability to cover all types of wideouts.
The standout DB had six interceptions last season and had an overall grade of 85.2, according to Pro Football Focus, showing off his ball skills and instincts for the Utes. Phillips is projected to be a Day 2 pick in the draft, going somewhere in the second or third round, most likely. The Rams have three picks between No. 36 and 77 and he could absolutely be a target for Los Angeles in that range. They’ve expressed interest in him, too.
In an interview with The Draft Network, Phillips told Justin Melo that the Rams and Chiefs both view him as a hybrid defender and see him as a versatile player in the secondary.
“The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams called me a hybrid player,” Phillips said. “They told me they see a lot of versatility in me because I can play both inside and outside for them. There’s a lot of value I add to a defense because I’m so versatile. The general consensus just slightly leans towards nickel.”
.@Utah_Football CB Clark Phillips III is a DOG!
Phillips had Top 30s w. #Jaguars & #Lions, as reported by @TomPelissero#Chiefs, #Bills, #Rams among those that see Phillips playing boundary CB
Talking X's and O's w/ @ClarkPhillips21 on @TheDraftNetwork https://t.co/X1HQGbk2xD
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 19, 2023
Phillips said it’s about a 60-40 split for teams viewing him as more of a nickel defender in the slot compared to an outside cornerback, which is understandable. He’s only 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, so he doesn’t have the typical size of a traditional corner.
But players similar in stature have found success in the NFL as safeties and slot defenders, including Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker. Phillips could be next in line as an impactful defensive back in the middle of the field. The question is whether he’ll become that for the Rams or another team.
Don’t be surprised if the Rams land Phillips with Pick 69 or 77 next week as they attempt to rebuild their secondary this offseason.
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