Name: Adrian Phillips
No.: 31.
Pro position: Strong safety/defensive back.
DOB: 3/28/92 (28 for 2020 season).
College: Texas (captain).
Hgt: 5-10.
Wgt: 210.
Measurables (draftscout.com) — 40y: 4.58. 10y: 1.58. Arms: 31 1/8. Hands: 8 3/8. Vert: 35.5. 3-cone: 7.10. Short Shuttle: 4.29. Broad jump: 9-7. Bench: 13.
Yr/Rnd/Team: 2014/Undrafted/Chargers.
Last pro team: Chargers.
Games/starts: 64/25 career; 7/5 in '19. Defensive snaps: 29% in '19, 66% in '18. Special teams snaps: 23% in '19, 79% in '18.
Key stats: 5 INTs and 18 passes defense in career. Career-high 94 total tackles in '18.
Injuries: 2019: Broken arm. 2017: Neck, ankle.
PFF grades
Phillips' highest-graded game from last season was the finale against the Chiefs ... not sure why that was. He didn't make any plays other than interception on an obvious free play that was called back. He wasn't bad, just nothing that stood out.
Games evaluated: 2019 Wks 15, 17; 2018 playoffs vs. Ravens, Patriots.
Notable: In 2019 after his broken arm, Phillips came back as basically the Patriots' star position — slot cornerback/linebacker on early downs, and then sub middle linebacker. ... Chargers have a lot of young safeties, like Rayshawn Jenkins, Desmond King and Nasir Adderly who appear ready to play under rookie deals. ... Due to LB injuries, had to play LB vs. Patriots in the playoff game.
Physical traits: Not the fastest guy, but has enough speed. Good build and consistent in the top and lower body.
Strengths
- The first thing that jumps out is how smart he is. When the offense was going quick or changing formations, he was always the first to signal an adjustment to his teammates.
- Very smart at recognizing route combinations in man and zone coverage.
- Very good at diagnosing jet sweeps and gaining leverage, will help vs. teams like Ravens.
- Was asked to play a lot of robber, which the Patriots have done a lot with Devin McCourty. Chargers used it to double Stefon Diggs, which is exactly how the Patriots use it.
- Rallies to the ball well and shows great effort (except on Damien Williams' 84-yard TD - top of screen below).
Damien Williams refuses to go down.
84 yards to the house! #ChiefsKingdom
?: #LACvsKC on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/HYJhHN7b2Y pic.twitter.com/FO2DlEvUBd
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2019
- Maintains leverage in the running game. Has no fear taking on bigger blockers when playing ILB.
- Played slot against the Chiefs and covered anyone (in zone coverage) that came into his area, including Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Demarcus Robinson.
- Ran the show at MLB in the Chargers' 2018 upset of the Ravens and Lamar Jackson.
- Can get a little aggressive in space/zone coverage and be baited by the eyes of a quarterback.
- Loves to shoulder tackle/thud instead of wrapping with good technique.
- Doesn't show up a ton on film in plays, but that seems to be more of a product of the Chargers' conservative scheme than anything.
