2021 NFL Draft: 3 early candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year

2. Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Dolphins

This year’s edge rusher class was less significant than in the past drafts. Several prospects were considered the top edge rusher in this draft but it was all based on perception.

After securing a major offensive weapon for second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earlier in the draft, the Dolphins were able to find themselves a reliable and dominant edge rusher in Miami Hurricanes’ Jaelan Phillips with the 18th overall pick who was the first pure edge rusher selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Dolphins needed to find more youth and less expensive players that can get into the backfield of the opposing offense. Finding an edge rusher in the Draft was the top priority at that point. Miami believes they found a great replacement in Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson at the outside linebacker position.

Christian Wilkens and Emmanuel Ogbah are the solid defensive ends needed in run schemes but they are also available to move inside. With either Wilkens or Ogbah at the defensive tackle position and Phillips at the edge or outside the tight end, the Dolphins will have a solid pass rush situation.

If it wasn’t for the long injury history especially the one where he missed the 2019 season, Phillips would be one of the best defensive players in this draft.

Last season in his only year with the Hurricanes, Phillips accounted for 45 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and three pass deflections. If developed efficiency during the remaining offseason, Phillips could become an instant contributor to the Dolphins’ defense.