Tyre Phillips 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Before starring in the SEC, Mississippi State’s Tyre Phillips was one of the state’s most talented and polished products. After playing at Grenada High School, Phillips was a standout offensive lineman who played in 11 games with East Mississippi Community College in 2016. He was part of a line that helped the Lions to an 11-1 record. Phillips was the best guard in the JUCO ranks by 247Sports and the fourth-best by ESPN.com. He committed to Mississippi State following his JUCO career.
College
Although he redshirted in his first season, Phillips was a star as a junior. He played in all 13 games, seeing action in nearly 345 snaps on the offensive line. While rotating at left tackle and guard, he was part of an offensive line that helped the offense rank second in the SEC in both rushing yards per game (223.6) and yards per rush (5.7). Additionally, he helped pave the way for the offense to rush for 300 or more yards in an SEC-best four games while recording an exceptional pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (81.3).
His senior season would be his best as a Bulldog. Phillips also earned the highest offensive grade among Bulldog offensive linemen and the second-highest offensive grade on the team from Pro Football Focus (80.1). He paved the way for the Bulldogs to rank third in the SEC in rushing offense (220.6) and second in rushing yards per attempt (5.4). His 80.1 offensive grade was the 11th best in the Power 5 and the second best in the SEC among offensive tackles who played at least 800 snaps. Phillips concluded his college career by participating in the Senior Bowl.
Strengths
- Broad frame;
- Power to steamroll defensive linemen;
- Good transition from start to finish;
- Above average strength;
- Smooth moves for pulling;
- High acceleration off the ball.
Weaknesses
- Slow in the run game;
- Below average lateral quickness;
- Has to be faster with hands;
- Relatively slow against speed rush;
- Range in pass blocking is below average.
Bottom Line on Tyre Phillips
Tyre Phillips has a large motor and serious knock-back power to clear the debris from the gaps in the run game. He is seen as an underrated prospect, but his tape is filled with fits of strength at the point of attack. His wide frame includes a wide power zone that prevents his edges from becoming leaky. He fits into power, gap, and inside zone schemes as a run blocker.
Unfortunately, outside zone blocking skills are not his forte. His lack of functional range in pass sets might require more tight end help than play-callers would care to give. He also needs to work on footwork in both the passing and running games. Phillips has early starting potential with an above-average ceiling for a power-driven offense. Coaches will also have to improve his balance technique to avoid bull rushers.
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