Andru Phillips, a 5’11”, 190-pound cornerback with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash time, was selected by the New York Giants in the third round (70th overall pick) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite receiving an average prospect grade of 6.22 (on an 8.0 scale), Phillips possesses intriguing physical traits that could make him a valuable asset in the Giants’ secondary.
Remarkable Athletic Scores
Phillips showcased his elite athleticism at the NFL Combine, recording a broad jump of 11’3″ and a vertical jump of 42″, both of which ranked in the 97th percentile for defensive backs. These remarkable scores highlight his explosiveness and leaping ability, crucial attributes for a cornerback.
Athleticism and Physicality
One of Phillips’ standout strengths is his impressive athleticism and physicality. He showcases a low and balanced backpedal, allowing for quicker reaction times. His quick feet and easy hips enable him to hit lateral transitions smoothly, a crucial skill for a cornerback. Additionally, Phillips excels at pouncing quickly on the catch from zone or off-man coverage, and he has the ability to open his hips with timing, staying in phase with deep routes.
Potential for Growth
While Phillips may not be a finished product yet, he possesses the tools to eliminate more catch opportunities with added experience. His mindset on the field is akin to that of a safety when engaged in run support, displaying a willingness to be physical and support the run defense.
Areas for Improvement
Like many young cornerbacks, Phillips has room for growth in terms of instincts and tackling angles. He doesn’t always play with the anticipation and instincts necessary for heavy ball production. Additionally, his tape shows issues sifting through combination routes effectively, and he can struggle against bigger receivers who can play over the top of him downfield. Phillips also has a tendency to overrun his leverage as a close-out tackler in space, an area that could improve with experience.
Opportunity for Playing Time
With the Giants’ depth at cornerback this year, Phillips has an opportunity to compete for playing time as the second cornerback behind Deonte Banks. The Giants’ coaching staff will be excited to see how Phillips develops and whether he can capitalize on his physical tools to become a reliable contributor in their secondary. As a third-round pick, Phillips represents a promising addition to the Giants’ roster, and his development will be closely monitored as he aims to solidify his role in the team’s defensive backfield
