Steelers could be in a position to land high-risk, high-reward prospect in NFL Draft

Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami

Of all the boom-or-bust prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, Jaelan Phillips is no doubt the biggest of them all. With terrific size, length, and athleticism paired with impressive tape and production, the Miami pass rusher no doubt would have been a top-10 pick in this year’s draft had it not been for his concerning concussion scares.

This was so concerning, in fact, that UCLA doctors would not clear him to play and he was forced to retire for the 2019 season. After a brief stint away from football, Phillips transferred to Miami and was one of the most physically imposing defensive players in the nation. Phillips can win with both speed and power and many draft analysts believe he would be in the same category as the Bosa brothers if not for the concussions.

Phillip’s career in the NFL could last anywhere from just one season to perhaps beyond a decade, and the fact that nobody knows how long he will play will likely make him available to the Steelers in the first round. This still might be a little too rich, as one wrong hit could potentially end his NFL career. Pittsburgh sent their brass to Miami’s Pro Day, so Phillips cannot be ruled out, but due to his medicals, this pick seems unlikely. If he did pan out, however, the combination of T.J. Watt and Jaelan Phillips would have a chance to be the most lethal edge pairing in the entire league.