Andru Phillips 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Five-foot-Eleven
Weight: 190 pounds
Position: Cornerback
School: Kentucky
2024 NFL Draft: Andru Phillips Scouting Report
Initially a three-star recruit, Andru Phillips was a stalwart in the Kentucky secondary over the last three seasons. In his true freshman season in 2020, Phillips sat to utilize his redshirt and only appeared in four games. He earned a slightly larger role in the secondary rotation in 2021. Phillips appeared in nine games for the Wildcats and logged three tackles.
2022 was the year Phillips got his shot to become an integral member of the defense. He was a Week 1 starter en route to a four-start season while appearing in all 13 games. In total, he logged 31 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and broke up five passes.
Last season was his best as he started in all 12 games he appeared in. Phillips amassed 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and another five pass breakups.
Phillips was selected to the Senior Bowl and has been shooting up draft boards due to a strong showing against some of the Senior Bowl’s best.
Strengths
- Great response, triggers downhill quickly and can make the play
- “Slow feet don’t eat” but he’s feasting; great footwork
- Can defend deep routes with fluidity in turning his hips
- Explosive response time, can close the gap
- Good instincts in zone coverage
- More physical than you’d expect at his size
- Willing and able run defender
- Very solid ball skills, can make the play in the air
"I'm higher on him than most people are. I think he's going to be a really solid pro."@dpbrugler on Andru Phillips out of Kentucky 👌
🎙: https://t.co/wG42iYu34u pic.twitter.com/ycYv9vIT1p
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) April 11, 2024
Weaknesses
- Viewed as a nickel-only prospect
- Good-not-great speed
- Aggressive tendencies in run support leads to overrunning the play
- Has false steps/wasted steps when reacting in transition
- Had a missed-tackle issue (23.1% missed in 2023)
- Not very productive in college; zero career interceptions
Player Comparison: Steven Nelson
Projection: Third Round
Best Fits: Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens
Bottom Line on Andru Phillips
One of the highest risers in the pre-draft process, Phillips is expected to go at any point on day two. He plays a lot bigger than his size would dictate and an NFL defensive coordinator will love his fire, trigger, and willingness to make the big hit.
With that, he has to refine his tackling. There are knocks on him that Phillips struggles at making the tackle without a full head of steam. Even then, he has the ability to come downhill and make the play on a receiver screen or when a running back gets the ball out of the backfield.
In his time, Phillips never hauled in an interception which could be a red flag. Of course, not all interceptions are made the same. He has a good nose for the football and with the opportunities, Phillips will be able to turn the ball over.
Phillips is seemingly considered pigeonholed into a nickel role. He will excel in that role but he could play outside if asked. He’s been shooting up draft boards over the last few months and for good reason.
Main Image: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
