Clark Phillips III – Cornerback – 21 – RS Sophomore – Utah
Height: 1m75
Weight: 83kg
2022 stats: 12 games, 24 tackles, 1 sack, 6 interceptions (2 touchdowns), 6 deflected passes
Estimated position in the draft: 2nd round – Start of 3rd round
NFL Comparison: Mike Hilton
Strong points
- Playmaker
- Soccer IQ
- Mentality
CJ Stroud, Bo Nix, Dorian Thompson-Robinson: these are the college-experienced quarterbacks that Clark Phillips III managed to intercept during his career. It also caused a smoke on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a first-round draft receiver this year, in the Rose Bowl in 2021. The highlight of his college career is a game against Oregon State in 2022 where he achieved the feat of making 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown . This shows his ability to change the course of a match.
During his 3 university seasons, Clark Phillips III accomplished 10 interceptions and especially 4 pick six. He has more total touchdowns than some receivers in the 2023 Draft during this period. He also deflected 21 passes.
If he succeeds in all this, it is because he has a game intelligence superior to normal, with a very good recognition of the routes of the receiver. His instincts, especially in anticipation, mean that he will often play the interception or the deflected pass. Coverage is therefore an area that he also masters, especially area coverage.
Leader of the second defensive curtain in Utah, Clark Phillips III is also recognized for his ability to not let go and to motivate his teammates. Hyperactive, the player is not afraid to go into contact when it comes to defending against the run.
Weak points
- Athletic
- wingspan
- Tackles
With all his qualities, Clark Phillips III has a great chance of having a very good career in the NFL. But NFL scouts are sure to notice that the cornerback doesn’t have the perfect prototype to potentially be a No. 1 cornerback.
Small, light, and lacking in stature, the player will face more experienced receivers. Quickly, his lack of athleticism, speed and fluidity will be seen. It leaves too much room for maneuver to receivers who will not hesitate to create separation. And he can quickly concede a big play and put his team in trouble.
Also, he doesn’t often take the right angles of attack with his tackles (although that’s not an area where you expect a cornerback to be perfect). His ability to be able to separate himself from a block, even average, from a receiver remains limited. Despite his good will, if the game gets tougher, Clark Phillips III may often be caught out by more physical players than him.
Possible destinations
Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams
The competitive spirit of Clark Phillips III should not escape the eye of NFL teams. Playmaker and leader, he has good credentials and should be a strong No. 2 cornerback, before potentially becoming a No. 1 cornerback if he gains athletic ability.
Playing on the outside in Utah, he should keep this role as a professional since his lack of speed will penalize him in the slot.
Having an experienced cornerback with him could help him in his early years. Thus, the Broncos and the Giants would be very good candidates for his development. The other three teams will have to make him a shutdown cornerback in its first year, which could be the jackpot if it goes well.
