In the latest mock draft from ESPNlatest mock draft from ESPN, a combined mock between Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, the Indianapolis Colts selected edge rusher Jalean Phillips with the No. 21 overall pick.
Kiper’s pick: Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami
I can’t believe this is the first edge rusher off the board. Phillips has a history of injuries — he medically retired from football when he was at UCLA — but there’s no denying his pass-rush traits. And that’s the Colts’ biggest need.
Phillips’ chances of being available here: 74.0%
Kiper and McShay were doing every other pick in this mock and the former had the Colts’ selection. Here he goes with Phillips, who might be the best edge rusher when it comes to talent. However, there are serious medical concerns with Phillips’ history.
During his time at UCLA, Phillips was diagnosed with three concussions and the medical staff refused to clear him to play. He wound up transferring to Miami for the 2020 season and had a strong campaign showing he has the skill set necessary to be a first-round pick.
For Phillips to be the Colts’ pick at No. 21, they have to be 100% confident his medical history won’t be an issue. When it comes to concussions, that’s not easy to know for certain.
But with edge rusher being the biggest need on the roster right now and with Phillips’ skill set as an edge rusher, he would be in consideration for the Colts if they find his medical history as a non-issue.
