Jordan Phillips

Skill position stars may get the headlines, but football remains a big man's game and they don't get much bigger than the Sooners' Phillips. The massive defensive tackle was a five-star recruit and turned down offers from virtually every other program in the country to sign with Oklahoma. After redshirting his first year on campus and recording 12 tackles in 11 games as a reserve in 2012, Phillips won a starting role as a redshirt sophomore. Unfortunately, a back injury ended Phillips' 2013 season after just four games. Phillips recorded seven tackles, including two for loss and 1.5 sacks during that time. Phillips started all 12 games for Oklahoma in 2014, recording 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks, earning a spot on the coaches' Second Team All-Big-12 squad. Despite the fact that he has the equivalent of just one NFL regular season of starts under his belt, Phillips elected to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2015 draft. Phillips' blend of size and athleticism is certainly intriguing and teams operating out of traditional three- and four-man fronts, alike, will be interested. He commands double teams in the middle and makes the occasional splashy play, demonstrating surprising quickness for a man of his size. He comes with obvious red-flags, however, not the least of which is his relative inexperience and the back injury which ruined his 2013 campaign.

inconsistent hand usage. too often latches onto blockers and reacts to what he sees, rather than penetrating. despite his length, has just two passes broken up in 27 career games.

Underwent back surgery in October of 2013 in an attempt to correct issues that had bothered him for a few years. As head coach Bob Stoops said at the time of Phillips' surgery, the procedure wasn't due to "one specific injury." Has only one full season of starting experience at the collegiate level.

weaknesses

Not yet the sum of his parts. Too often stands up at the snap, negating his own power and while very quick for a man of his size, too rarely makes plays at the point of attack, as ballcarriers are often able to avoid him.

possesses quick hands to slap away the attempts at opponents to latch on and control him and uses an effective swim move to slip free. alert to the quarterback and shows good effort to gets his hands into passing lanes. powerful. can knock centers back onto their heels with his initial surge and shows good upper-body strength to lock out and shed. anchors effectively due to his size and strength and shows good effort in pursuit in the tackle box.

Appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential.

because of their similar build and eye-popping athleticism, poe is the easy comparison for phillips. while poe has emerged as one of the nfl's most intimidating nose guards, many others with similar talents have struggled with consistency in the nfl.

Phillips could just as easily wind up the second coming of Marcus Stroud or Albert Haynesworth, who lacked the requisite work ethic to take full advantage of their talents. Given Phillips' history of back issues, former first rounders turned early NFL retirees Marcus Tubbs (Seattle) and Justin Harrell (Green Bay) could unfortunately prove valid comparisons, as well.

strengths

Naturally large man with good overall weight distribution. Tall, broad shouldered, long-limbed player with a thick lower half. Surprisingly athletic for a player of his size, exhibiting good initial quickness, lateral agility and impressive straight-line speed. Occasionally explodes off the ball and can ruin plays before they have a chance to work.

compares to

Dontari Poe, Kansas City Chiefs

2013: Underwent surgery for what Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said was nt due to "one specific injury."

Under Armour All-American

five-star recruit by Scout.com

four-star recruit by ESPN.com and Rivals.com

ranked in ESPNU 150

had 68 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 2010

collected two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and an interception

also recorded 17 receptions for 400 yards and four touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and had a 36.9 yard punting average

class 4A all-state selection in 2010

recorded 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 2009

also caught 15 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.