Denver Broncos NFL Draft: Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips on Radar
The Denver Broncos lost a lot of beef up front defensively when they let Terrance Knighton walk in free agency, and they could be looking to replace him with Oklahoma nose tackle Jordan Phillips, according to WalterFootball.com’s latest draft rumors.
“Oklahoma nose tackle Jordan Phillips has a shot at being a late first-round pick, as there are a number of teams picking in the 20s that could take him. That group includes the Lions, Ravens, Broncos, Packers and Patriots. Sources think that Broncos are a team to keep an eye on. They lost Terrence Knighton in free agency and could use a nose tackle for Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense.”
There have been a lot of rumors that the Broncos might be also interested in Texas All-American defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who played in the Big 12 with Phillips.
Lance Zierlein at NFL.com actually compared Phillips to Knighton, who received a one-year, $4 million deal from the Washington Redskins.
“Nose tackle with desired height, weight and speed. Flashes talent necessary to project a ceiling as a dominant run stuffer best suited for a 3-4 defense. Phillips’ ability to eat up blocks should help him earn a high grade, but it’s his potential as a big athlete with above-average range for the position that could turn him into a Pro Bowl nose.”
Anyone the Broncos take in the first round is going to be at or pretty darn close to 300 pounds, unless they are able to land one of Randy Gregory or Shane Ray (which I still believe they would seriously consider). Phillips is pushing 330 pounds and has a lot of athletic ability for his frame.
Two days ago, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported this:
In a rough year for DLs, two who could sneak into the back of the 1st round: OU’s Jordan Phillips and Mississippi State’s Preston Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2015
For what it’s worth, the Broncos have had both Phillips and Preston Smith for private visits to team facilities. If the Broncos take Phillips in the first round, they’ll be getting a mountain of a man to anchor the middle of the defense.
It would also be the fourth time in five draft classes that John Elway would have used his top pick on a defensive front seven player.