Cornerbacks have become even more valuable in recent years, with the NFL becoming so much more pass-heavy. Having a guy who can lock down the other team’s best receiver is a huge necessity.
Defensive back Andru Phillips will look to hear his name in the 2024 NFL Draft, coming off a solid season at Kentucky. Phillips got better each season during his time with the Wildcats, and he has a real chance of hearing his name called on Day 2.
How Tall Is Andru Phillips?
Phillips stands just under 5’11”, which has him in the 31st percentile when it comes to defensive backs. That is definitely something that could hurt him, with teams typically looking for cornerbacks above 6-feet tall.
Height isn’t the only issue for Phillips, however, as his length could also be a concern. Phillips possesses a 31 1/4” arm length (31st percentile) and a 75” wingspan (42nd percentile). This is an area that could definitely put Phillips at a disadvantage and make teams hesitant to take him.
How Much Does Phillips Weigh?
Phillips weighs 190 pounds, which puts him in the 39th percentile. Like with height, he’s below average when it comes to his fellow corners in weight, which could make it tough for Phillips against outside receivers.
Yet, if there is one thing to help combat that, it’s his elite athleticism. He recorded a broad jump of 135” (97th percentile) and a vertical jump of 42” (97th percentile).
Phillips also has above-average speed, running a 4.48-yard 40-yard dash (56th percentile). Combining that leaping ability with very good speed, there are traits that could make him an effective slot corner.
How Old Is Phillips?
Born on Nov. 30, 2001, in Mauldin, South Carolina, Phillips won’t turn 22 until late into his rookie season. Phillips is a very talented player, but he’s still young enough that he could afford to sit back and watch for a year or two.
Cornerback is a tough position to transition to in the NFL, and being able to bring in such a young prospect could be appealing to teams.
What College Did Phillips Go To?
Phillips started his collegiate career at Kentucky in 2020. He was a fairly sought-out recruit, as he was a three-star athlete and looked at by multiple Power Five conferences, including Colorado, Kansas, Tennessee, NC State, and South Carolina.
Revisiting Phillips’ College Career
It took Phillips a little while before emerging as a big-time SEC player, as he had only four tackles in his first two years. In Year 3, though, he became an important contributor on the team, finishing with 31 tackles, and then increasing that with 48 tackles in his senior year.
Phillips was known for stepping up in big games. This past season, his best two outings were against two of Kentucky’s biggest rivals, Louisville and Tennessee.
In the upset win against Louisville that eliminated the Cardinals from any talk of being in the College Football Playoff, Phillips had six tackles and two passes defensed. In the loss to Tennessee, he finished with eight tackles.
If there was one thing to keep an eye on with Phillips, it’s the fact that he didn’t have any interceptions in his collegiate career.
Phillips’ Potential in the NFL
Phillips is a guy who has really put himself on the map these last two seasons. Heading into his junior year, he was probably not on scouts’ or general managers’ radar. But given the way he’s played, now not only is his name on the map, but teams will be considering taking him on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings thinks Phillips’ athleticism could help propel him to be an NFL starter and overcome the issues with his height.
“Ultimately, Phillips’ physical foundation sets a high floor for him,” Cummings said. “At his size, he’s an elite athlete with bristling explosiveness, swift hip fluidity, and energetic twitch and foot speed, and he’s also a sharp processor with good reaction speed, zone awareness, and recovery freedom.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Andru Phillips
For where he’s going to get drafted, there is a ton of potential there. Phillips still has much to learn at the position, and Cummings says there are some things he does need to work on.
“Particularly in press-man, Phillips’ technique can still improve, as can his ball tracking and use of physicality in catch-point scenarios,” Cummings said. “Going further, his lack of high-end mass and length can work to his detriment against larger wide receivers.”
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