Jason Phillips

[Ravnet]

I haven't seen any topics about Jason Phillps, a linebacker out of TCU selected by our Ravens in the 5th, but he was just on MASN, and I decided to look up a few snippets.

[url="http://seahawknationblog.com/2009/01/jason-phillips-2009-nfl-draft-prospect/"]Seahawk Nation Blog[/url] - [quote]One of the most underrated prospects in the country entering the draft, TCU LB Jason Phillips is a 4-time All-MWC selection, including 1st team 2008, and has led the Horned Frogs in tackles in three of his four seasons with the team. He has started all but one game in his 4 years at TCU and is one of 8 TCU defenders named 1st- or 2nd-Team All-MWC this year.

I am the only one projecting Phillips as a first round pick and while itʼs a little out there, I fully believe it can happen. Phillips has been one of the toughest competitors in college football for four years and his character will be a strong point for him come evaluations this spring. He can play the run and the pass and he is improving in both areas.[/quote]
[url="http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/ilb/Jason-Phillips.php"]Draft Countdown[/url] - [quote]Strengths: Extremely tough...Super aggressive...Tremendous instincts...Decent timed speed...Reliable tackler...Excellent football IQ and is like an extra coach on the field...Reads and reacts quickly...Works through traffic well...Good awareness and is adequate in coverage...Does a nice job in pursuit...Has a non-stop motor...True leader...Fantastic work ethic...A terrific special teamer...Has a ton of experience...Productive.

Weaknesses: Just average height and bulk with short arms and small hands...Not a great athlete...Range is somewhat limited...Has some trouble shedding blocks...Will get engulfed by massive offensive linemen...Lacks fluid hips...Marginal change of direction skills...Isn't much of a pass rusher.

Will probably win a starting job but should at the absolute least be a valuable backup.[/quote]
[url="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=24387&draftyear=2009"]ESPN[/url] (Rates players on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the highest attainable score) -
[quote]Production: 1
Height-Weight-Speed: 2
Durability: 4
Character: 2
Instincts/Recognition: 2
Pursuit/Point of Attack: 2
Tackling: 2
Pass Coverage: 3
Pass Rusher: 3[/quote]
Most mock drafts had this guy going early in the third round, with some putting him in the second or fourth. The bottom line seems to be that he is a great football player, but didn't have the HWS (Height-Weight-Speed) to hang with the big dogs in the draft.

I believe Phillips dropped to the fifth because of a recent surgery performed on the meniscus in his left knee, but [url="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/530198"]CBS Sports[/url] reports that he should be ready for training camp, and Phillips sounded absolutely terrific on the radio.

I like Ozzie/DeCosta's strategy of completely overhauling the linebacking corps with Phillips, McClain, Barnes, Gooden, and possibly Kruger. Out of that group, I'm more than confident that Bart Scott will be replaced.

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='Ravnet' post='188100' date='Apr 28 2009, 04:42 PM']I like Ozzie/DeCosta's strategy of completely overhauling the linebacking corps with Phillips, McClain, Barnes, Gooden, and possibly Kruger. Out of that group, I'm more than confident that Bart Scott will be replaced.[/quote]
I agree. There's no excuse for production to decline with the loss of Bart Scott. Granted, it might be a bit much to ask just ONE player from that VERY young group to step in immediately and make up for it, but a rotation of any combination of those guys will definitely be productive.

[saver509]

I think Ozzie and the draft team did a great job filling the gap that was left with Bart leaving.... I can see one of these guys being great. Remember to never underestimate players from the U !!!

[Ravnet]

[quote name='theFRANCHISE' post='188102' date='Apr 28 2009, 04:48 PM']Granted, it might be a bit much to ask just ONE player from that VERY young group to step in immediately and make up for it, but a rotation of any combination of those guys will definitely be productive.[/quote]

I doubt we'll see immediate production, but having so much talent to fill one position is pretty reassuring.

I'd also like to note that people very easily overlook potential needs which will arise during the course of the 2009 season; while the knee-jerk reaction is to say that we need a wide receiver more than anything, right tackle probably would've emerged as a dire need by week three as Anderson/Terry definitely were not going to hold up.

By that same token, Ray's spot will probably be a moderately sized hole during the 2009-2010 season, and having all this depth is definitely a good thing.

These needs have to be addressed now so that they're not weaknesses in the very near future.

[jezzy]

what gap is bart going to leave he was a product of the system i dont think bart was that good he just was freed up cuz ray ray he wont be able to run the jets like ryan hoped so i think barnes n gooden will be enough to step in n have people say bart who just like jj made people say ad who we make average lb into good lbs other teams steal them away with big money n you never hear from them agian ex. a.d, hartwell, boulware,sharper i exspect bart to do the same thing

[shaikh015]

This kid has a lot of heart...I think if he trained and played with the best he will become the best!!!!!!!!

[b-morebrotha]

[quote name='jezzy' post='188371' date='Apr 29 2009, 03:34 PM']what gap is bart going to leave he was a product of the system i dont think bart was that good he just was freed up cuz ray ray he wont be able to run the jets like ryan hoped so i think barnes n gooden will be enough to step in n have people say bart who just like jj made people say ad who we make average lb into good lbs other teams steal them away with big money n you never hear from them agian ex. a.d, hartwell, boulware,sharper i exspect bart to do the same thing[/quote]

Were [i]DID[/i] boulware go???

[Sizzle]

WOW espn gave him a 4 on Durability???? he hasnt missed a game in college, he was hurt at the combine. WOW espn sucks.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='Sizzle' post='189996' date='May 5 2009, 03:30 PM']WOW espn gave him a 4 on Durability???? he hasnt missed a game in college, he was hurt at the combine. WOW espn sucks.[/quote]

I believe he just underwent surgery, so there's that.

[Sub-Zero]

sounds like a player the Pats would add to the roster

I love the pick, we get so caught up in the size, speed, athleticism of the players that we forget the foundation of what makes a player great.

[Ravenskid2085]

Looks like a solid pick

I love having alot of good linebackers on the team, and Phillips looks like a great addition to the LBS

[Ed_Reed20]

I'm really looking forward to seeing him play whether it be as part of the starting D or on special teams.