6 linebackers the Panthers could draft in 2020
By Dean Jones
Jacob Phillips – (LSU)
Another product of the national champions winning defense at LSU, Jacob Phillips is an imposing figure who has the potential to be the complete package in the NFL.
The standout linebacker is a physical specimen who always seems to be around the ball. He recorded 113 combined tackles during his final college season with the Tigers and was instrumental in their eventual triumph against Clemson.
Phillips boasts some tremendous physical attributes that are normally associated with a long career in the NFL. The player is very physical and finishes off his tackles in an eye-catching fashion.
He has a relentless attitude on the field and has superb explosiveness that allows him to get to the point of attack in the quickest way possible. Phillips covers a lot of ground on almost every down which further highlights his supreme physical conditioning.
There are some elements of his game that need some work if he is going to make the most out of his enormous potential. Phillips does tend to struggle with getting off blocks on occasion and he needs to be better and working his way through traffic to make plays.
That being said, there is plenty to like the prospect and he looks like a good fit with the Carolina Panthers. The player is projected to be a third-round prospect and this represents good value for Phillips, who has a high ceiling.