Re: Sammy Knight
 

man this is a really weak safety class, both in the draft and Free Agency..

i wouldnt mind seein us pick up phillips in the 2nd.. his stock is on the decline b/c of his showing at the combine but he has first round talent but doesnt seem to play upto his ability at times.... after that... it gets kinda hit or miss..



Kenny Phillips
S | (6'1", 203, 4.45) | MIAMI (FLA.)

Scouts Grade: 87

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy
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Strengths: Reads routes well, shows excellent range in zone coverage and is experienced playing a centerfielder-type role. Changes directions well, explodes out of cuts and is capable of matching up with slot receivers as well s tight ends in man coverage. Times jumps well, fights for the ball while it's in the air and can come down with jump balls. Aggressive, reads opposing quarterbacks' eyes and flashes the ability to make plays on coverage. Fills hard when reads run, closes well and flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. While doesn't always do a great job of breaking down, generally wraps up upon contact and is an adequate open field tackler. Vocal, gets teammates into position and is a leader on the field.

Weaknesses: Has the second gear to recover in most situations but can be overaggressive, is vulnerable to play action and gets caught out of position too much. Lacks elite ball skills and a player with his talent should be more of a playmaker. Doesn't read keys all that well and takes too many false steps. Lacks elite size and can get engulfed by linemen. Takes too long to shed blocks, occasionally avoids contact and is going to be more effective playing off the line than he'll be lining up in the box. Takes poor angles to the ball, can overrun plays and should make more plays in pursuit. Tough and can play through pain but missed the final three games of the 2006 season with a broken thumb and durability is somewhat of a concern.

Overall: Phillips started the final 11 games of his true freshman season in 2004 finishing with 88 tackles including 58 unassisted tackles and three tackles-for-loss. He also recorded an interception, a fumble recovery and four pass breakups that year. Phillips started the nine games he appeared in during the 2005 season finishing with 71 tackles including six tackles-for loss. He also recorded four interceptions and six pass breakups up that year. Phillips started the 11 games he played in during the 2007 season finishing with 82 total tackles including 54 unassisted tackles and six tackles-for-loss. He also recorded two interceptions, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles last year. Phillips is slightly undersized and he needs to get stouter against the run but he's willing in run support and he's tall enough to add weight without sacrificing speed. More importantly, he covers a lot of ground in zone coverage and can match up in man coverage making him the most complete safety in this year's class and more than likely a first-round pick.

Re: Sammy Knight
 

Well, I think we all like Phillilps, I haven't heard anyone complain about him as a pick. If a trade with Dallas happened, I'd be happy with him at 22 or 28. But he's certainly not worth at 10, and I don't think he'll be on the board in the second round.

As such, unless we trade down, I think the chances of getting him are virtually nil. If I'm right, we'd better hope someone on staff is looking long and hard at replacing Bullocks by a different route.

Cap casualties after the draft?

Re: Sammy Knight
 

Before the combine, alot of newswriters had us picking up Phillips at 10. I can't remmeber what happened at the Combine to make him slip. I know many times it is the interview that is the killer. Anyone remember why he slipped?

Re: Sammy Knight
 

i find this slightly ironic considering last years SB champs are the ones who picked him up... :)
i'm all for younger, faster defense but i sure like having proven veterans backing them up
oh well done deal - sammy will retire a giant, best of luck to him!!!

Re: Sammy Knight
 

SLOW SLOW SLOW. 4.54 Ok thats not bad but last year that would have put him at the bottom of the first if not the second round. In a weak class of S there is no reason to overrate a kid because he is the best off the weak. Pick 15 or lower. Talking about S did any one see this kid for a second rounder.

Josh Barrett, SS, Arizona State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 223.
Projected 40 Time: 4.49.
Combine 40 Time: 4.35.

Re: Sammy Knight
 

I like Barrett in the 2nd if he's still there. I also like Zbikwoski & especially Dajuan Morgan in the 3rd. I absolutely do not like the idea of taking Phillips at #10.