Candidates to Solve the Colts Run Stopping Woes

Oct 4, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (80) celebrates a turnover against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Number Two: Jordan Phillips, Draft

The 6’5″, 329 pound Jordan Phillips is projected to be taken in the 2nd half of the first round come draft night and could potentially be available when the Colts select at #29 overall.

Coming out of Oklahoma, Phillips has the unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism that is rare to find in such a big body even late in the first round, and has drawn comparisons to a poor man’s Dontari Poe of the Kansas City Chiefs. Like Poe before him, Phillips has had his fair share of motor questions entering the draft; however, if he can consistently put it all together, he could be downright scary:

"“He has the body type and length to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, but there is no reason to move him from the nose. If he gets that motor going, he could be a dominant pro.” — AFC North scout"

NFL.com Draft Expert Mike Mayock had this to say about Phillips, “Back surgery two years ago, only started 16 games in college, but he’s a dancing bear, and he’ll probably go in the first round.” Also adding via NFL.com, “When he’s not fatigued, he’s dominant sideline to sideline. Phillips can be a three-down player, and he does have the ability to provide an interior pass rush.”

If the Colts are looking to find a long-term answer at the starting nose tackle position, the team would be hard-pressed to find a defensive lineman of Phillips size and athletic ability.