Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 191
HAND: 8 3/4″
ARM: 31 1/8″
WINGSPAN: 75 1/4″
40-YARD DASH:
3-CONE:
SHUTTLE:
VERTICAL:
BROAD:
POSITIVES
— Quick to come downhill and close the gap between him and the ball-carrier. Fills the running lanes and isn’t afraid to play his position.
— Very good in zone coverage. Plays with the necessary awareness underneath coverage and feel when dropping.
— Shows good positioning and leverage in zone coverage. Able to stay on top of routes when he has cushion and can see routes develop.
NEGATIVES
— Has above-average speed and movement skills. Lacks ideal recovery speed when out of position.
— Rounds his breaks at the top of routes with wasted steps when transitioning. Tends to get stuck when breaking and can be slow to gain ground.
2023 STATISTICS
— 12 G, 47 TOT, 1.5 TFL, 5 PD
NOTES
— 16 career starts
— 3-star recruit in the 2000 class, per 247Sports
— Nickname is “Dru”
OVERALL
Andru Phillips was one of Kentucky’s top defensive backs in the 2023 season. He has a good blend of length and athleticism, combined with the versatility to play the outside cornerback and slot positions. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to be a core special teams player.
When playing in pass coverage, Phillips is at best when in off zone coverage, where he’s able to use his awareness and vision to identify routes as they develop downfield. He has above-average speed but can fall into trouble with his lack of recovery speed and top-end speed to run downfield. He performs best when he has help over the top and is able to play in underneath coverage.
Phillips is slow transitioning at times, allowing too much separation and struggling to get out of his breaks. He often gambles in zone coverage, allowing his eyes to get him in trouble. When carrying receivers downfield, he often face-guards and can panic with the ball in the air. When playing the ball, he sometimes struggles to high-point and play with taller receivers.
As a run defender, Phillips does a very good job of playing his position. He makes quick reads and comes up to support the run. When taking on blocks, he often uses his quickness and ability to bend in space to beat blocks.
When forced to take on blocks with his hands, Phillips lacks the ideal strength and tends to get stuck to blocks. Though he shows good aggression, he is an inconsistent tackler who either melts off tackles or doesn’t wrap up when diving at the legs.
Phillips will need to rely on his special teams experience and ability early in his NFL career to stick around. As he works on special teams, he will be able to provide depth and versatility in the secondary as well. A late-round projection, he best looks to fit in a zone scheme where he has help either on top or is able to play deep and keep his cushion on top of routes.
GRADE:
OVERALL RANK: 5.5 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)
POSITION RANK: 168
PRO COMPARISON: CB24
