NFL Draft 2021: Top 5 LA Rams prospects from MAC

Cornerback

The last but by no means least on this bus route to the 2021 NFL Draft is the cornerback from Ball State by the name of Antonio Phillips (5.46-grade per NFL.com)

The knock against Antonio Phillips is his lack of speed, but we know all-too-well that the LA Rams do not necessarily envision track stars in pass coverage. He has the right size, weight, and mentality for an NFL defensive back.

Phillips started 29 of 39 games played at Ball State and was a two-time All-MAC selection in 2019 and 2020. The 5-foot-11, 193-pounder made 137 tackles, nabbed eight interceptions and 26 pass breakups during his four-year collegiate career.

The scouts say he’s able to close passing windows quickly, plays intelligently, and is willing to step into the fray to stop the run. He could also be a contributor to special teams. He lets the football field help defense receivers, and is always aware of the down and distance.

Phillips underwent a back procedure known as a microdiscectomy on March 17 and did not work out on his pro day. While that will no doubt trigger medical flags, that could play an advantage as he will no doubt be a priority free agent signing after the draft. He is ideally suited in a cover-one or cover-three defensive scheme, both of which will be used by the Rams this year.