Andru Phillips NFL Draft Profile
- College: Kentucky
- College Position: Cornerback
- Ideal NFL Position: Cornerback (slot)
- Height/Weight: 6'0", 187 pounds
- Year / Age: Junior / N/A
- Draft Projection: Sixth-seventh round
- Where I'd Take Him: Fifth round
Background
Andru Phillips was born in Mauldin, South Carolina, and played high school ball for Mauldin High School, earning 5A First Team All-State honors from the South Carolina Football Coaches Association. According to 247Sports and Rivals, he was a three-recruit and committed to Kentucky, a school where his father played before him in the 1980s.
During his three years at Kentucky, Phillips played in 34 of 39 possible games. He only missed one game due to injury, and this past season, he accumulated 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and five pass breakups.
Phillips was one of 11 Wildcats to be featured on the Reese's Senior Bowl watch list, and his versatility as both a slot and boundary corner will likely make him an attractive prospect to the numerous NFL coaches in attendance.
Phillips was one of five other Kentucky players accused but cleared of first-degree burglary in 2021.
Strengths
- Extremely polished zone corner with excellent spacial instincts
- Patience to sit in his zone and let short/intermediate routes develop
- Willing and aggressive tackler
- Quick to disrupt screen game
- Slot/boundary corner versatility
- Core special teamer for Wildcats
Weaknesses
- Recovery speed is lacking, likely due to inconsistent footwork and technique
- Tends to rely on face-guarding when defending vertical routes
- Can give a little too much cushion in off-coverage
Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Andru Phillips
I've seen a handful of pundits give Phillips a sixth- or seventh-round grade, which is too low. He does have his shortcomings, but any viable defensive backs coach should be able to iron out his technique and footwork relatively quickly.
Phillips' ability to play fluidly within many zone looks makes him an attractive Day 3 option. His positional versatility is another plus, though he's best suited as a slot cornerback at the next level. Phillips matched up very well against Brock Bowers in Kentucy's bout against Georgia, and his struggles against larger receivers on the boundary can be better hidden if kept within the slot.
He would be an attractive Day 3 option for the Chicago Bears. The starting defensive backfield is set, but the depth can always be bolstered. Someone with Phillips's versatility and special teams capabilities would make him an attractive piece for Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles.
Furthermore, his willingness to contribute to stopping the run is paramount to getting on the Bears' radar. Though not the most sure tackler, Phillips consistently displayed a willingness to throw his body around and clog running lanes, blow up blockers, and seal the edge so his teammates could rally to the ball carrier.
Pro Comp: Buster Skrine
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