2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU Tigers
Career Snapshot
Two-year starter who led the SEC with 113 tackles (7.5 for loss) as a junior in 2019. Made 87 tackles (5.5 for loss) with three pass breakups as a sophomore.
Positives
Small, explosive run-and-chase linebacker who stands out in pursuit. Quick, fluidly moves in every direction and covers a lot of area on the field. Easily changes direction, gets depth on pass drops and shows an excellent closing burst to the play. Instinctive, terrific in pursuit and shows a good head for the ball. Shows ability in coverage and solid ball skills. Breaks down well and uses his hands to protect himself.
Negatives
Not big or sturdy. Struggles to get off blocks, gets controlled at the point and gets slowed up when he moves through the trash.
Analysis
Phillips is a terrific athlete and an outstanding linebacker who has size limitations. He projects as a traditional weakside linebacker or on the inside of a 3-4 alignment and is very much what teams want in a linebacker these days.