2008 NFL Draft: Kenny Phillips

Safety Kenny Phillips could be the first University of Miami player chosen in the 2008 NFL draft. Fox Sports, ESPN, NFLdraftscout.com all project Kenny Phillips as a first round draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The 6'2 212 lb junior free safety Phillips can also play strong safety and cornerback.NFLdraftscout.com considers him the best safety in the draft. Phillips had two interceptions and forced three fumbles this past season as a junior for the Hurricanes.

ESPN says that Phillips' "is slightly undersized and he needs to get stouter against the run." The upside is the NFL draft is weak at the safety spot with only 3 projected NFL starters in it. He is young and will benefit from an NFL strength coach. Kenny has also benefited from playing three years in the ACC against some competitive teams. Moving from the Canes to the NFL should be just a matter of moving up a level. He can cover and willing to play against the run. He is also gifted with speed, with a 4.48 time in the 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. He also is known to study a lot of game films which will help him at the next level.

Fox sports in their mock draft is showing the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions are interested in Kenny Phillips. However, with free agency and trades Kenny Phillips could wind up with almost any team. Phillips told NFLdraftscout.com he has already been scheduled for 22 interviews. The poor workouts by Miami defensive end Calais Campbell give Kenny Phillips the best chance of being the first player from the U to be selected in the 2008 draft. If the projections are right Kenny Phillips should extend the Hurricanes streak to 14 years with a first round draft pick in the NFL draft.

Sources:
ESPN.com
NFLdraftscout.com
Foxsports.com