Kenny Phillips was almost unanimously regarded as a top-15 pick both during and throughout the entire 2008 college football season. But then, over the course of a dead period where no games were being played and no events taking place in which Phillips participated, a phenomenon occurred: his stock plummeted. He went from a top-10, top-15 picks in the majority of the mocks to a fringe 1st rounder. The simple question that must be asked is why? It’s inexplicable that a player could go from one of the hottest prospects in the draft to a fringe 1st round pick… seemingly overnight and at a time when nothing was going on, football-wise. The main argument making the rounds for Phillips’ stock drop is that he had a disappointing junior season. That is a weak argument. College football statistics are loosely kept, and depending on where you look, Phillips’ numbers are almost identical, if not better, from his sophomore to junior season. In fact, here are his numbers, per Miami’s official site:
With the stats on hand, it becomes hard to argue that Kenny Phillips suffered a significant drop production-wise during his junior season. His tackle numbers are outstanding for a safety. His interception numbers might be a little low, but in coverage he is very disciplined and reliable... something that cannot be depicted with any stat. Simply, when looking at these stats, you see an excellent career of a top college safety. There are a couple of reasons I attribute to Kenny Phillips' dropping stock. First, the team and defensive struggles of Randy Shannon's Miami Hurricanes. Many were expecting big things when Shannon was promoted from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach... but they just didn't have the horses. Second, Phillips didn't make the highlight real plays of previous Cane safeties like Ed Reed and the late Sean Taylor. He seems to play more disciplined, smart football as opposed to looking for the gamechanging play. It is a mindset that might play to his advantage as an NFL safety. When a team drafts Kenny Phillips- wherever that may be- they will still be getting the guy that was projected to go in the top-10 of many mock drafts. A 21 year old with all the physical tools; size, speed, athleticism, production, great range. A safety who is solid in pass coverage but can also lay the wood. His main weaknesses appear to be the basic things that a raw player needs to be coached up on... technique things and not biting on fakes. He also seems a bit on the lighter side and might need to put on some muscle to better shed blocks at the next level.
In the end, I could see the idea of Kenny Phillips plummeting draft stock will prove itself to be nothing more then a ripple-effect fad created by internet mock drafters. I could see him go as high as #7 to the New England Patriots… just a gut feeling that Bill Belichick will be drawn to Phillips’ team-oriented and disciplined style of play. But more likely, one of the teams drafting in the teens that could use a safety. If he falls into the 20’s or beyond, a team will be getting a major steal.
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