The nickel spot requires a unique skill set. Regardless of experience or athleticism, competing and succeeding with open air to either shoulder is a tall task for even the most nuanced of defenders. For Giants rookie Dru Phillips, he’s made it look awfully easy through two weeks.
A third-round selection out of Kentucky, Phillips entered New York with lofty expectations. Considering the fundamental talent in the DB room away from former first-rounder Deonte Banks, Phillips entered the fold as a player, albeit youthful, who was viewed as a core contributor before he ever strapped up in the regular season. While two weeks in the grand scheme of things remains a small sample size, it goes without saying the importance of first impressions, and Phillips has passed the early eye test with flying colors.
Phillips’ performance in Week 2 at Washington was nothing short of sensational. In what was his first start as a pro after earning 16 snaps in Week 1 against Minnesota, Phillips was everywhere, all the time and all at once. While the Commanders’ offense lived primarily in their horizontal raid attack throughout the football game which limited Phillips’ reps at depth, his ability to play in the fringe areas of the defense showcased his football IQ, instincts, and tackling ability from the nickel spot. Phillips was targeted seven times (most of any Giants DB) by fellow rookie Jayden Daniels for the Commanders, yet the Mauldin, S.C. native allowed just five catches for 14 yards (2.8 yards per reception). But where he shined the brightest was in the run game.
In a day and age where offenses look to force defenses to play inside-out, where scheme will force linebackers to cover and corners to tackle, the ability to deploy a player like Phillips on the outside not only provides Giants DC Shane Bowen with a fluid athlete in space but a downhill defender who thrives in isolated scenarios in open grass. Whether it was spinning off blocks to blow up a bubble screen, taking correct pursuit angles against Daniels outside the pocket, or meeting a 225-pound Brian Robinson Jr. alone in the hole, Phillips displayed his diverse skill set in multiple facets.
For Phillips, the journey to where he is now has been one of the scenic variety, rather than a linear path from college to the NFL. An overlooked prospect heading into last fall in the SEC, Phillips’ play during the year, at the Senior Bowl, and throughout the entirety of the pre-draft process saw his stock rise almost daily. In what was looked upon as a ‘down year’ at the corner spot following the uber-talented 2023 class headlined by Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez, Phillips used his final year at Kentucky to improve and develop, allowing his game to do the talking.
Learning more about the man behind the facemask tells you everything you need to know about Phillips’ impressive skill set. In my pre-draft interview with Phillips, which can be found here, how he dives into his preparation and ability to execute showcased an aerial stalwart beyond his years. Whether it was his prep during his SEC in-conference schedule or studying film of the WRs present at the Senior Bowl before the week, Phillips’ plan of attack before game day ever arrives has transferred to the highest level of the sport.
Moving forward, more snaps will continue to allow things to slow down for Phillips, which in turn will present him with even more opportunities to make plays. Whether it’s forcing a fumble (as he did in Week 1) or working into the backfield for a sack and multiple TFLs (as he did in Week 2), Phillips’ blend of pure coverage ability, instincts, and a hunger for the football at the line of scrimmage has showcased one of the brightest stars the game has to offer at the position.
