Ourlads' Profile:
2018 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about DARIUS PHILLIPS: Western Michigan, 5097 193 4.57. Three-year starter from Detroit, MI who set the FBS record with 12 career runbacks including a career five pick sixes which tied an FBS record. Scored 14 career touchdowns five different ways (5 KOR, 1 PR, 5 INT, 1 FR, and 2 receiving). Was a productive receiver as a freshman before switching to defense in 2015. Press corner who does a good job mirroring cuts and staying with intermediate routes. Can be physical with jam and normally ignores the first move away from his leverage. Fluid turn and run with quick reactions and change of direction. Can stay in phase on the deep vertical route. When backed off has a smooth pedal maintaining pace and cushion. Shows quick reactions on the throw with good timing at the catch point. Outstanding ball skills with the ability to take the ball away while undercutting a route. Good extension with his arms to get to the receivers hands. Solid zone defender with good lateral ability closing voids in a zone. Some vulnerability to double moves. Some inconsistency in zone coverage as he has shown some hesitation reacting to high/low routes in outside short and deep zones. Struggles with a stalk block and does not show a great feel for run support. Not an aggressive tackler but will wrap up in space and make the play. At his best as a press corner with good overall coverage tools and skill. Has very good return skills with the ability to make people miss. Shows a burst in the open. Projects as a nickel/slot corner. 2017 stats: 40 T, 5 TFL, 10 PBU, 2 FF, 3 INT (1 TD), 1 FR (1 TD), 26-683 KOR (2 TD). OSR:31/41. Fifth/sixth round. (A-31 1/2, H- 9 1/8, VJ-32.5, SS-4.18).