2021 NFL Mock Draft: Mac Jones explodes into top 5 in final edition

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide in action during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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September 1, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) reacts after a defensive play against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

EDGE. Miami. player. 60. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Jaelan Phillips. 14

Don’t let the picture above fool you, Jean Phillips was very productive for the Miami Hurricanes. The former No. 1 overall recruit recorded 41 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in his first two seasons with UCLA before transferring to Miami.

In his lone season with the Hurricanes, he surpassed all of those totals with 45 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, an interception, and three pass deflections. He had a career season for the Hurricanes and skyrocketed up draft boards. He could be the first edge rusher taken, but I see him going just after Kwity Paye.

Phillips is a 6-5, 266-pound All-American who also made the All-ACC second team and looked like a superstar with his new team in 2020.

The Vikings need a dominant edge rusher or an offensive tackle to protect Kirk Cousins but with the top three tackles off the board, I see them going the defensive route with Phillips here.

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