The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to do due diligence on cornerbacks in the days before the 2023 NFL Draft and are hosting Utah’s Clark Phillips III on a Monday visit, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Phillips doesn’t exactly fit the tall, lengthy mold that Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke typically looks for at the cornerback position at 5’9, 184 pounds with 29 1/8-inch arms. However, the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year was a unanimous All-American in his final season with the Utes, finishing 2022 with six interceptions, two pick sixes, a sack, and two tackles for loss.
While his lackluster size and athleticism (4.51 40-yard dash and 33-inch vertical jump) make it unlikely that Phillips will hear his name called in the first round, his clean technique and knack for big plays have made him a popular prospect. According to Pelissero, the Utah product has met with all 32 NFL teams in the lead up to draft day.
The Jaguars began the 2022 season with Tyson Campbell and Shaquill Griffin as their starting cornerback duo. While Campbell shined in his second season, Griffin struggled before landing on injured reserve with a back injury. After cycling through a few players in the starting lineup, the Jaguars found stability late in the year with Darious Williams on the outside. However, the team has little depth at the position and likely wants a long-term starter opposite Campbell.
