Las Vegas Raiders address defense in latest 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
834. . Edge. Hurricanes . Jaelan Phillips. 49. player
The Las Vegas pass rush has actually gotten worse this season in getting sacks, which is incredible considering they were still awful in 2019. They have a lower sack percentage and sacks per game in 2020 despite improving their pressure rate from last season.
Pressure rate can be just as valuable as a sack, but the Raiders really need to start getting home and put the quarterback on the ground.
Jaelan Phillips is a former five-star prospect out of California who struggled with injuries his first few seasons at UCLA before transferring to Miami. Phillips has put it all together at Miami this season and is showing the athletic traits that made him such a highly sought after prospect.
Possessing speed, bend, and a great first step, Phillips is everything you want traits wise in a pass rusher. The injury history will be something the Raiders need to evaluate, but if they trust it, Phillips could be the explosive pass rusher the team needs to pair with Maxx Crosby, and allow them to use Clelin Ferrell inside against the run.