St. Louis Rams: Five Defensive Linemen Who Make Real Sense in the 2015 NFL Draft

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Jordan Phillips- DT, Oklahoma- 6’5, 329

Round Projections: RD1-2 (NFL.com), RD2 (NFLDraftScout.com)

Phillips is a risky investment, considering that he’s a rather inexperienced player (he declared as a redshirt sophomore) who possesses the worrisome combination of being overweight and having chronic back issues. If the Rams can get him in the middle rounds, though, he’d be a nice addition as a backup and potential heir apparent to Michael Brockers. Phillips, who could be used right away in a style similar to the way Gregg Williams utilized Shaun Rogers in New Orleans, is a surprisingly adept pass rusher for a player of his size. He’s agile and has a variety of pass rush moves. He keeps his feet moving and possesses good tackling form, and though he doesn’t always show it, he has exceptional strength that has allowed him to overpower offensive linemen as a collegiate player. He looks like a 3-4 nose tackle, but Phillips has enough athletic ability to play in the Rams’ scheme, and he could act as a comparable substitute for Brockers.

The Rams might have stronger needs than a fourth defensive tackle to address early on, but if Phillips ends up falling due to injury concerns, he would be an interesting selection.

Next: Za'Darius Smith