Jordan Phillips won’t be the headline name on draft weekend, but he has all the makings of a developmental player who can stick in the league
His college journey shows a willingness to adapt and compete, and his Combine performance highlights his physical readiness for the NFL.
While his current projection may slot him as a backup or special teams contributor, with the right coaching and opportunity, Phillips could evolve into much more. He’s the type of player who might not shine in year one but could be a key depth piece or even starter by year three.
In the end, Jordan Phillips embodies the NFL Draft’s core truth: success isn’t always about where you start—it’s about what you do when you get your shot.
As he continues his NFL journey, Jordan Phillips remains a source of inspiration for his hometown. Ocoee, Florida may be a small city on the map, but through Phillips, it shines brightly in the world of professional sports.
His American nationality, combined with his Floridian upbringing, has shaped a player who not only excels on the field but also honors his roots every step of the way.
Whether it’s a game-winning play or a quiet act of community service, Phillips continues to leave a lasting impact—proving that no matter how far you go, you never truly leave home behind.
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Table of Contents
Jordan Phillips: Who Is He?
From Tennessee to Maryland
Jordan Phillips’ collegiate football journey was anything but ordinary. Born with immense potential, Phillips initially committed to the University of Tennessee.1
However, after a brief stint, he made a pivotal decision that would shape the remainder of his college career—transferring to the University of Maryland. His path reflects the resilience and adaptability required of players striving to reach the professional level.
At Tennessee, Phillips’ time on the field was limited. He appeared in just three games, a stretch that offered minimal opportunity to showcase his talent.
The lack of playing time likely influenced his transfer decision, one that proved fruitful for both him and the Maryland Terrapins.
E-Sports will surpass traditional sports. Saying it now.
— Jordan (@bigj9797) September 8, 2022
Immediate Impact at Maryland
Upon his arrival at Maryland in 2023, Phillips made an immediate impression. He was swiftly integrated into the starting lineup and assumed a prominent role on the Terrapins’ defensive front.
This trust from the coaching staff spoke volumes about his work ethic and potential.
Phillips’ transition was seamless. Lining up in both the A GAP and B GAP, he displayed versatility that is critical for interior defensive linemen.
Throughout the 2023 season, he was a consistent contributor, amassing a career-best 29 total tackles. His presence in the trenches offered the Terrapins both physicality and leadership.
Jordan Phillips: Career
Measuring Up at the NFL Scouting Combine
Jordan Phillips was one of 329 athletes invited to the prestigious 2025 NFL Scouting Combine—a testament to his elevated draft stock.2
There, he underwent various physical and skill assessments, giving scouts a clearer picture of his NFL potential.
He measured at slightly over 6’2” and weighed in at 312 lbs, fitting the prototype of an NFL interior defensive lineman.
His arm length measured nearly 31.5 inches, while his hand size came in at 9.75 inches—dimensions that, while not elite, are within the acceptable range for his position.
Bench Press King Among Defensive Linemen
Perhaps Phillips’ most impressive feat at the Combine was his performance in the bench press. He put up 29 reps of 225 pounds—leading all defensive linemen in the category.
This showcased his upper-body strength and stamina, essential traits for controlling the line of scrimmage in the NFL.
The bench press may not determine overall success, but it often reveals a player’s work ethic and physical preparation.
For Phillips, his performance was a bold statement. It also helped him stand out among a crowded field of defensive tackle prospects.
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Grading the Prospect: Strengths and Concerns
According to NFL.com, Phillips earned a prospect grade of 5.84. This rating projects him as an average backup or special teams contributor at the next level.
While not flashy, such a designation doesn’t preclude future success. Many players have outperformed their Combine grades through hard work and coaching.
Phillips’ Next Gen Stats score of 61 places him squarely in the “average” category. This metric compiles performance data and athletic traits to generate a numerical evaluation.
While not elite, the score confirms that he has the physical tools to contribute in the NFL, especially with development.
Positional Fit: Nose Tackle or 3-Tech?
One of the key questions surrounding Phillips is where he best fits on an NFL defensive line.
At Maryland, he lined up in both the A GAP and B GAP, which suggests he can play multiple roles depending on the scheme.
In a 4-3 system, he could be deployed as a 1-technique or 3-technique tackle, depending on matchups. In a 3-4 front, his stout frame could allow him to fill the nose tackle position.
His ability to absorb double teams and create pressure inside offers value across various alignments.
While Phillips may not be a top-tier pass rusher, his strength lies in his run defense. His low center of gravity, combined with functional strength and hand usage, makes him tough to move off the line.
He can plug gaps and occupy multiple blockers, helping linebackers flow freely to the ball.
Scouts have noted his ability to stay low and anchor against the run, a crucial trait for interior linemen.
Though his tackle numbers may not leap off the page, his impact often shows up in the success of those around him.
Jordan Phillips: Areas for Improvement
No prospect is without flaws, and Phillips is no exception. His pass rush production has been relatively modest, and he lacks the explosive first step that many elite interior linemen possess3
Improving his hand technique and developing a wider array of pass rush moves will be essential at the next level.
Additionally, Phillips’ shorter arm length could present challenges in disengaging from longer offensive linemen. To overcome this, he’ll need to refine his leverage and timing to compensate.
One often overlooked avenue for defensive linemen to make early contributions is special teams, particularly on field goal block units. With his power and burst, Phillips could carve out a niche role in this area. Many NFL teams value rotational linemen who contribute beyond just defense, increasing his value on draft day.
Leadership and Work Ethic
Though less quantifiable than physical metrics, Phillips’ leadership qualities and effort have been praised by coaches at Maryland. He stepped into a starting role immediately and handled it with professionalism.
Such traits often matter just as much to NFL decision-makers, especially when evaluating players projected as backups or rotational contributors.
Being coachable, hardworking, and willing to embrace his role can extend a player’s NFL career even if they aren’t immediate starters.
NFL Comparison: D.J. Reader Lite
In terms of play style, Jordan Phillips draws some loose comparisons to D.J. Reader of the Detroit Lions (formerly Cincinnati Bengals). Reader has built a career as a reliable space-eater and run stopper, traits that mirror Phillips’ strengths.
Though Phillips may never reach Reader’s level of impact, especially as a pass rusher, the comparison underscores the kind of role he could grow into. If developed properly, he can become a reliable presence in base packages and short-yardage situations.
Projected Draft Range and Outlook
Given his Combine showing and collegiate performance, Phillips is projected to be a Day 3 selection—likely between the fifth and seventh rounds. He fits the mold of a depth piece with potential to develop into a solid rotational player.
Teams looking for run-stopping help or depth along the defensive interior will likely have Phillips on their radar. His Combine strength results, versatility, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a value pick in the later rounds.
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Jordan Phillips’ Hometown
A Glimpse Into Ocoee, Florida
Jordan Phillips hails from the sunny city of Ocoee, Florida, located in Orange County, just a few miles west of Orlando.
Ocoee may not be one of Florida’s most famous cities, but it’s a close-knit community known for its suburban charm, diverse population, and rapidly growing development.
For Jordan Phillips, it is more than just a birthplace — it is the starting point of a dream that led him to the National Football League (NFL).
Growing up in Ocoee meant experiencing a mix of southern hospitality and Floridian vibrance. With local parks, schools, and sports programs shaping many young athletes, Ocoee has nurtured its share of sports talent, and Phillips is a proud product of that environment.
Early Days at Ocoee High School
Jordan Phillips attended Ocoee High School, a school known for emphasizing academics, athletics, and student development.
At Ocoee, Phillips quickly gained attention for his physical stature and athleticism.
Standing over 6 feet tall and weighing more than 300 pounds during his high school years, he had the size that college scouts and recruiters crave in a defensive lineman.
He excelled as a football player at Ocoee, turning heads not just locally but across the state of Florida.
His dominant presence on the defensive line made him a force to be reckoned with, and he soon began drawing interest from major college football programs across the country.
Florida Roots Run Deep
Being born and raised in Ocoee, Florida, gave Jordan Phillips strong ties to his home state. Florida, known for its competitive high school football scene, was the perfect place for a budding athlete to grow.
The warm weather, year-round training opportunities, and exposure to top-level competition played a vital role in Phillips’ early development.
It is no coincidence that many NFL players originate from Florida. The state is a hotbed for athletic talent, and Phillips’ upbringing in this environment gave him a solid foundation that translated well to college football and eventually the NFL.
Jordan Phillips: Nationality
A Proud American National
According to the NFL’s official website, Jordan Phillips is an American national.
Born on September 21, 1992, in Ocoee, Florida, Phillips holds American citizenship and represents the nation with pride on the professional football stage.
His identity as an American football player is deeply intertwined with the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that are often emphasized in American sports culture.
Phillips has become a symbol of what many American youth aspire to be: a local kid from a small town who made it big through talent and determination. His story resonates with fans who see him as a hometown hero and an inspiration to the next generation of athletes.
Making the Leap: NFL Draft and Early Professional Career
In the 2015 NFL Draft, Jordan Phillips was selected in the second round (52nd overall) by the Miami Dolphins.
Returning to his home state to begin his professional career was a full-circle moment for the Ocoee native. Phillips quickly adjusted to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, using his powerful frame and athletic skills to contribute as a defensive tackle.
His time with the Dolphins was marked by steady improvement and flashes of brilliance. While he experienced ups and downs, his potential remained evident, and other teams around the league began to take notice of his capabilities.
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