Big Blue Huddle

McGinn


10. ANDRU PHILLIPS, Kentucky (5-10 ½, 192, 4.48, 3): Fourth-year junior with a 42-inch vertical jump and an 11-3 broad jump. "He's excellent," one scout said. "His movement skills, his toughness, his awareness and production ... to me, this guy's a slam-dunk starter. He can play inside and outside – probably better in the slot. He's so fluid. You'd be good with him as your No. 2 corner moving forward." Started 16 of 38 games over four seasons. "He has a compact build," a second scout said. "More of a nickel. Not the greatest speed. Quicker than he is fast. Kind of a mid-range cover guy than deep." Finished with 82 tackles (three for loss), no picks and 10 passes defensed. "He's a little bit under the radar but a pretty good player," a third scout said. From Mauldin, S.C.


Cosell

ANDRU PHILLIPS' 2024 NFL COMBINE RESULTS
Height: 5-foot-10 3/4
Weight: 190
Arm length: 31 1/4"
40-yard dash: 4.48
10-yard split: 1.51
Vertical jump: 42"
Broad jump: 11'3"
20-yard shuttle: 4.29
ANDRU PHILLIPS 2024 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS
Smooth corner with quick feet and fluid transition and change of direction traits. Can flip and open his hips.
Quick, sudden feet in mirror match press man. Easily flipped his hips to open stride to run with vertical routes.
Strong man coverage snaps from the slot with the short-area burst to match and the speed to run with crossers.
Top-end speed to run with vertical routes. Opened his hips and stayed in phase in a good position to make a play.
Good job on vertical routes, getting his head turned to locate the ball. Did not make picks but solid ball production.
Quick feet to stop and plant to drive on routes in front of him and transition laterally with burst on in-breakers.
Extensive experience in off coverage, showing the quick, sudden feet to stop, transition and drive on throws.
Competitive, aggressive and intense as a tackler. Willing to hit. Embraced the physical nature of the game.
Outstanding playing personality. Highly competitive and physically and mentally tough. High-intensity player.
WEAKNESSES
Size and lack of length can, at times, be an issue on vertical routes, negatively impacting ability to play the ball.
Turned his body in side saddle technique from off coverage, making him susceptible to routes crossing his face.
Too many intermediate and vertical routes in man, he lost contact with the ball in the air, allowing late separation.


NFL TRANSITION
Phillips was a fun player to watch and evaluate, given his extensive experience playing outside and in the slot in Kentucky's defense. My strong sense is that he will likely project and transition to the next level as a slot corner. There's no question that there are NFL corners who play on the outside with the height/weight and arm length measurables of Phillips, but he does not play big on tape.

He plays like a smaller, quick-sudden athlete who is best suited to play the slot. Phillips showed light, quick feet with loose hips, smooth transitions, and a change of direction, easily flipping his hips and opening his stride when he had to turn and run vertical routes.

Phillips has the footwork and sudden twitch to play mirror match press man, but he also played a high percentage of off coverage, where his hip fluidity, short-area quickness and burst to plant and drive and react laterally showed up on tape. Phillips played more man coverage in the slot than he did on the outside, and he showed the quickness, burst and play speed to match multiple routes and impact both the receiver and the throw.

Overall, Phillips does bring outside-inside versatility as you transition him to the NFL and while he is not necessarily too small to play effectively on the outside, my strong sense is that most teams will project him as a slot corner. Is there a comparison to be made to Roger McCreary when he came out of Auburn? McCreary has played outside and the slot with the Titans but is better suited to play inside, where he has a chance to become a good player.

OTHER NOTES
Phillips played four years at Kentucky becoming a full-time starter in 2023. He finished his college career with 16 starts in 38 games.

Phillips was predominantly the field outside corner in the Kentucky defense, but he also played significant snaps in the slot (31 percent of his snaps). In 2022, Phillips played more than twice as many snaps in the slot as he did outside.

There were snaps in which Phillips sunk from slot corner alignment to play half field safety in cover 2, and snaps in which he was deployed as a blitzer when aligned as the slot corner. There were man-to-man snaps versus Georgia, where Phillips matched up with Brock Bowers.

NFL.com


By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3
Overview
Phillips' tape features a high number of both completions and drops that should have been completions, but that could change in a different scheme and with additional experience. He's still green, with just two years of real game experience, and often played too loose in Kentucky's zone cover schemes. Phillips lacks the anticipation to contest catches at a high enough rate from zone but does have the athleticism to play more man coverage, with the tools to stay sticky on routes. He's an ardent run supporter with excellent toughness but needs to finish tackles at a higher rate. Scheme fit might be critical, along with proving he can play from the slot, but his best football could be ahead of him.

Strengths
Backpedal is low and balanced for quicker reaction time.
Quick feet and easy hips to hit lateral transitions fairly smoothly.
Pounces quickly on top of the catch from zone or off-man.
Opens hips with timing and stays in phase with deep routes.
Possesses tools to eliminate more catch opportunities with added experience.
Plays with the mindset of a safety when engaged in run support.

Weaknesses
Doesn't play with the instincts and anticipation for heavy ball production.
Some false steps and stalls coming forward from the top of his drop.
Tape shows issues sifting through combination routes effectively.
Big receivers are able to play over the top of his head downfield.
Has a tendency to overrun his leverage as a close-out tackler in space.


Brugler

9. ANDRU PHILLIPS | Kentucky 5106 | 190 lbs. | 4JR Mauldin, S.C. (Mauldin) 11/30/2001 (age 22.40) #23
BACKGROUND: Andru "Dru" Phillips, one of four children (three boys, one girl), was born in Birmingham, Ala., lived in Atlanta and then grew up in Louisville. He was
raised in a family of athletes and played multiple sports throughout childhood. Prior to high school, his father (Carlos) acc epted a new job (president and CEO of the
Greenville Chamber of Commerce), and the family relocated to northern South Carolina. Phillips enrolled at Mauldin High School as a freshman and played both ways
on the JV football team before getting called up to varsity. He started on varsity as a sophomore and finished with 50 tackles, 15 passes defended and one
interception, earning All-Region honors and helping the team to an 8-5 record. As a junior, Phillips posted 29 tackles, 1.0 sack, one interception and one forced
fumble. For his senior season in 2019, he was named first team All-State and earned an invitation to the Shrine Bowl with 38 tackles and two interceptions. Phillips
was also a standout track athlete in high school and as a senior ranked No. 1 in the nation in the triple jump. He twice earned All-State honors and won the triple
jump (49 feet, 4 inches) at the 2019 state championships. Phillips also set personal bests of 11.00 seconds in the 100 meters, 23.07 in the 200, 54.88 in the 400 and
22-2.5 in the long jump.
A three-star recruit, Phillips was the No. 47 cornerback in the 2020 recruiting class and the No. 10 recruit in South Carolina. As a legacy at Kentucky, he received his
first scholarship offer from head coach Mark Stoops the summer before his junior season (June 2018). Phillips added several Power 5 offers (Colorado, Kansas,
Louisville, NC State, Syracuse, Tennessee, Virginia Tech and West Virginia). But he'd grown up attending Kentucky games, and it was his "lifelong dream" to play for
the Wildcats. Phillips officially committed in April 2019 and was the No. 18 recruit in Stoops' 2020 class.
His father is from Owensboro, Ky. and played linebacker for Kentucky (1986-90). His mother (LaTonya) was a multi-sport athlete at Danville High School. His older
brother (C.J.) was an All-Conference offensive lineman at FCS Morehead State (2012-16) and finished his career with 46 straight starts. Phillips graduated with his
degree in integrated strategic communication (December 2023). He skipped his senior season and entered the 2024 NFL Draft. Phillips accepted his invitation to the
2024 Senior Bowl.
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF PD INT NOTES
2020: (4/0) 1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 Redshirted; Pandemic-shortened season; Enrolled in January 2020
2021: (9/0) 3 0.0 0.0 0 0 0
2022: (13/4) 31 1.5 0.0 0 5 0
2023: (12/12) 47 1.5 0.0 0 5 0 Missed one game (injury)
Total: (38/16) 82 3.0 0.0 0 10 0
HT WT HAND ARM WING 40-YD 20-YD 10-YD VJ BJ SS 3C BP
COMBINE 5106 190 8 3/4 31 1/4 75 4.48 2.63 1.60 42 11'3" - - - (no shuttle, 3-cone, bench press — choice)
PRO DAY 5106 192 8 3/4 31 1/2 75 - - - - - 4.29 6.98 16 (stood on combine run, jumps)
STRENGTHS: Competes with a physical mindset and looks to reroute receivers early ... fluent in multiple techniques (press, bail, side-turn, etc.), thanks to his footwork
and acceleration control ... will find himself in compromised positions because of his aggression, but he has the makeup speed to quickly recover ... anticipates well
from depth to drive and disrupt ... plays through the hands of receivers downfield for late rakes ... doesn't have a large frame, but he's no stranger to the weight room
and plays with functional length and play strength ... does a nice job punching off blocks and squaring ball carriers ... experienced on kick an d punt coverages (12
special-teams tackles in his college career) ... experienced both inside and outside (played every snap as the n ickel in 2023 against Tennessee).
WEAKNESSES: Will lose the size battle against most NFL wide receivers ... didn't record an interception in college ... didn't play with a large catch radius on tape, and
well-placed throws were often completed ... allows a half-step of separation at the break point ... his hands-on approach will attract attention from officials (two pass
interference penalties in 2023 vs. Missouri) ... displays tackling toughness but finish and technique fall short (15 missed tackles in 2023) ... one of six Kentucky players
charged with first-degree burglary (August 2021) in connection with an incident at a fraternity house party; a month later, a grand jury later c leared the players of
charges; the players involved then filed a civil suit that was later dropped.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS 261
SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Kentucky, Phillips was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Brad White's zone-heavy scheme, moving inside to cover the
slot in subpackages (37.6 percent of his career snaps came inside). Although his production won't jump off the page, his coverage tape improved each of his four
seasons in Lexington — and that continued with a strong week during Senior Bowl practices. With his lower-body quickness and agility, Phillips can drive from zone or
stay within arm's length downfield in man. He prefers to play a physical brand of football, which is refreshing. However, his handsy tactics needs more subtle ty, and
his tackling requires better finishing control. Overall, Phillips falls short in a few categories, which leads to in-game volatility. He is battled-tested, though, with the
athletic instincts and feisty toughness that will translate to any level of football. He won't be a fit for every team but offers inside-outside versatility with
immediate special-teams value, similar to Roger McCreary.
GRADE: 2nd-3rd Round (No. 61 overall)

I don't get it. Coming into the draft the defense was clearly better than the offense and we chose to use three of our first four picks to add to the defense. I guess they're just lanning on winning games 14-10. Not knocking adding Burns, Nubin or Phillips. Just doesn't make sense to me.

https://x.com/BobbySkinner_/status/1784038166212534436

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 09:53:19 PMI don't get it. Coming into the draft the defense was clearly better than the offense and we chose to use three of our first four picks to add to the defense. I guess they're just lanning on winning games 14-10. Not knocking adding Burns, Nubin or Phillips. Just doesn't make sense to me.

Whether they draft an OL or a RB or another WR in the 3rd round they are still going to be stuck with Jones which limits how effective that offense can really be.  There are no limits to how good this defense could be though.  They needed a safety and they got the best one in the draft.  They needed a CB so they got one of those.  You hit the nail on the head:  Their best chance to win games next season is going to be to win them 14-10.

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 09:53:19 PMI don't get it. Coming into the draft the defense was clearly better than the offense and we chose to use three of our first four picks to add to the defense. I guess they're just lanning on winning games 14-10. Not knocking adding Burns, Nubin or Phillips. Just doesn't make sense to me.

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl with defense.

The Giants added heavy O-line, RB, TE, QB in free agency

I expect a RB and maybe TE tomorrow

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 09:53:19 PMI don't get it. Coming into the draft the defense was clearly better than the offense and we chose to use three of our first four picks to add to the defense. I guess they're just lanning on winning games 14-10. Not knocking adding Burns, Nubin or Phillips. Just doesn't make sense to me.

2 of 3 picks but I'm a little surprised rd 3 was a defensive player and especially because it was another DB.

Quote from: Gmo11 on April 26, 2024, 09:58:27 PMWhether they draft an OL or a RB or another WR in the 3rd round they are still going to be stuck with Jones which limits how effective that offense can really be.  There are no limits to how good this defense could be though.  They needed a safety and they got the best one in the draft.  They needed a CB so they got one of those.  You hit the nail on the head:  Their best chance to win games next season is going to be to win them 14-10.

Why do posters take a short term view of the draft? This draft isn't about next year, it's about the next 5-7 years. Jones is gone at the end of next year. It would be nice to have a competent offense ready to go for the next guy....

Quote from: Rosehill Jimmy on April 26, 2024, 10:00:19 PM2 of 3 picks but I'm a little surprised rd 3 was a defensive player and especially because it was another DB.

He used our second round draft pick to trade for Burns. So three of the first four went towards building the defense.

Quote from: MightyGiants on April 26, 2024, 09:59:08 PMThe Chiefs won the Super Bowl with defense.

The Giants added heavy O-line, RB, TE, QB in free agency

I expect a RB and maybe TE tomorrow

They had a top 10 offense too....

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 10:02:23 PMWhy do posters take a short term view of the draft? This draft isn't about next year, it's about the next 5-7 years. Jones is gone at the end of next year. It would be nice to have a competent offense ready to go for the next guy....

Are Nubin and Phillips ineligible for play after this season?  If they can build a top level defense this season, with young and talented players under contract, then that defense should still be top level in 2025.  This team had a lot of holes on both sides of the ball and they filled a couple today.  I don't think we can ask too much more than that.

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 09:53:19 PMI don't get it. Coming into the draft the defense was clearly better than the offense and we chose to use three of our first four picks to add to the defense. I guess they're just lanning on winning games 14-10. Not knocking adding Burns, Nubin or Phillips. Just doesn't make sense to me.

Specifics? Who did you want? What position? They got the best WR and in the opinion of many the best player in the draft and followed it up with who many think was the best Safety in the draft. There were a few good CBs left in the early 3rd. They are not going to get one worth a damn tomorrow.

Now if you want an upgrade at RB, TE, or G, you can get one tomorrow. What do you want?

Quote from: Gmo11 on April 26, 2024, 10:18:13 PMAre Nubin and Phillips ineligible for play after this season?  If they can build a top level defense this season, with young and talented players under contract, then that defense should still be top level in 2025.  This team had a lot of holes on both sides of the ball and they filled a couple today.  I don't think we can ask too much more than that.

Coming into the draft the defense had three holes. DT, CB and safety. On offense we neeed

Quote from: bamagiantfan on April 26, 2024, 10:18:17 PMSpecifics? Who did you want? What position? They got the best WR and in the opinion of many the best player in the draft and followed it up with who many think was the best Safety in the draft. There were a few good CBs left in the early 3rd. They are not going to get one worth a damn tomorrow.

Now if you want an upgrade at RB, TE, or G, you can get one tomorrow. What do you want?

What do I want? I want a F-ing offense that isn't a complete embarrassment for a 10th year in a row. The Giants have three young corners. How about we wait to see how the develop before drafting another one that didn't have a single interception during his time in college. Listen he's Giant now so I hope he's successful but when you have an offensive minded coach you might want to play to his strengths. Frankly I'm just pissed at the prospect of watching our defense put the team in a position to win only to lose because we can put points on the board.

Quote from: bamagiantfan on April 26, 2024, 10:18:17 PMSpecifics? Who did you want? What position? They got the best WR and in the opinion of many the best player in the draft and followed it up with who many think was the best Safety in the draft. There were a few good CBs left in the early 3rd. They are not going to get one worth a damn tomorrow.

Now if you want an upgrade at RB, TE, or G, you can get one tomorrow. What do you want?

Blake Corum would have made our offense better immediately but hey we just made either Hawkins or Flott irrelevant before we know what they really are.

Quote from: madbadger on April 26, 2024, 10:03:38 PMHe used our second round draft pick to trade for Burns. So three of the first four went towards building the defense.

Fair enough.  My focus was on what is/was transpiring in the last 24 hours

I agree, they need a RB but another small back would not have been my choice. They have several of those now.

I think you will get your wish for a RB before the draft is over, and there are better players than Corum out there to be had. Whoops! THere goes Lloyd. Still 4-5 backs who I would like to see in Giants colors.