Scottie Phillips Overview
Position: Running back
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 211 pounds
School: Ole Miss University
NFL Combine Performance Data
40 Yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
Three Cone Drill: 7.4 seconds
Bench Press: 29 reps
Vertical Jump: 30.0 inches
Broad Jump: 114.0 inches
Scottie Phillips 2020 NFL Draft Profile
When writing these draft profiles, sometimes you come across a player whose film is just pure fun to watch. Whether it’s their speed or athleticism, some player’s film can just look like an endless highlight reel. One player who this applies to is Ole Miss University running back Scottie Phillips.
After rushing for over 1,600 yards and 22 touchdowns in his senior year of high school, Phillips decided to continue his athletic career in a non-traditional way: by enrolling at a local JUCO college. Phillips entered Jones County Junior College with both a chip on his shoulder and a will to make it to the next level. During his time at the JUCO, Phillips rushed for numerous records and helped earn his team multiple playoff appearances. After several years of experience at the college, Phillips decided to take his talents to the next level. In 2018, Phillips signed with Ole Miss and began his quest to make it to the NFL. The junior appeared in 11 games that season and ranked fifth in the SEC in total touchdowns with 14.
The 2019 season held much promise for the young running back, but nagging injuries throughout the season only allowed him to appear in 10 games for the Rebels. Despite this, Phillips still performed incredibly well, finishing the year with 542 yards and five touchdowns. He also added one touchdown through the air. After a successful 2019 season and having received an invite to the NFL’s scouting combine, Phillips decided to enter his name into the 2020 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Good vision and overall feel when carrying the football;
- Quick, powerful feet; impressive footwork;
- Displays good ball security skills;
- Loose, explosive hips;
- Compact and powerful frame, has the ability to surprise teams with his strength and willingness to put his head down and make a big play;
- Has a great burst to explode down the field with.
Weaknesses
- Severely under-sized for the position;
- Has a bad habit of risking a little too much in exchange for the chance to make a big play;
- Shows that he can indecisive at times when running between the tackles;
- Added some weight in 2019 and looked slower than he appeared the previous year;
- Has to improve his technique when absorbing blitzers.
NFL Comparison: Marshawn Lynch
Teams with Need at Position: Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts
Projection: Early 6th – Late 7th
Bottom Line on Scottie Phillips
In the end, Scottie Phillips has the ability to make his mark in the pros. If he’s able to earn himself a spot on a team’s roster, Phillips could prove to be a steal in this year’s NFL Draft. With his draft stock showing him being selected somewhere near the end of the draft, any team who is looking to improve their depth at the running back position late in the draft should consider Phillips a viable option. If a team is able to capitalize on Phillip’s ability to run through defenders and shed tackles, then he has the ability to become a solid backup in the NFL.
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