FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons selected Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, who was the Associated Press’ Pac-12 defensive player of the year, in the fourth round (113 overall) of the NFL draft Saturday.
“We’re excited about Clark,” Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. “You can’t have too many defensive backs that can cover and take the ball way.”
Fontenot went on to describe Phillips’ skill set.
“Quick, athletic, speed, instincts, ball skills,” Fontenot said. “Again, a tough and competitive player. Played in a tough program, the way they do things there. Very excited about the player.”
Phillips was the ninth-ranked cornerback in the draft by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was the 17th cornerback taken in the draft. Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo was the 16th cornerback taken with the 105th pick by the Eagles.
Phillips started 31 games and ranks fourth in Utah history with 232 career yards on interception returns. He was named a first-team All-American.
“We have a lot of respect for that Utah program and how they play defense,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “We loved our interactions with him. He’s a guy that we had conviction on across the board.”
Phillips displayed great ball skills with nine career interceptions and the ability to run with four touchdowns.
“Man, it’s a product, just honestly, of a lot of film study and a lot of confidence,” Phillips said. “I truly believe that I separate myself on that field, and I can’t wait to step back on it. It’s really just a product of a lot of preparation and film study. Just being able to make those plays in that moment and having the confidence to do so.”
After being a top-five national recruit at cornerback, he went on to start five games as a freshman for the Utes. He has 25 tackles, two for loss, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He also had two pass breakups.
In 2021, he was named second-team All-Pac-12 after he led the conference with 15 pass breakups and two interceptions in 14 starts.
Last season, Phillips was a first-team All-American (Associated Press) and All-Pac 12 pick. He had six interceptions and six pass breakups last season. He also was a Jim Thorpe Award finalist and opted out of the Rose Bowl.
Phillips had committed to Ohio State, but after the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach moved on two weeks before signing day, he decided to pursue other options.
“I was already in contact with Utah,” Phillips said. “So, that was a smooth transition.”
Phillips is 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds. He also could be a candidate to play inside at nickel back.
“I just love playing defense and getting interceptions,” Phillips said. “I think that you can get interceptions from the outside and the inside. That’s something that I’m super excited to get to.”
Phillips is familiar with the Falcons’ revamping of their secondary this offseason with the signing of safety Jessie Bates and cornerback Mike Hughes. They also traded for cornerback Jeff Okudah.
“I know a couple of the guys,” Phillips said. “I’ve definitely seen some of the moves that they’ve made. You need those type of moves. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
He met Okudah during the recruitment process at Ohio State.
“I was actually committed to Ohio State for a little while,” Phillips said. “He was a guy I was going to be walking in with. He was actually going to be leaving that year. He was kind of (a) big (brother), him and Shaun Wade.”
Phillips met with the Falcons at the NFL combine.
“I definitely had a great meeting with them at the combine,” Phillips said. “I talked to the staff and felt like they were great dudes, so I’m glad they ended up picking me.”
Phillips plays tough for his stature. “Clark Phillips III got that dog in him,” was tweeted by the33rdteam.com.
“Man, they are just talking about my feisty nature of play,” Phillips said when asked about the tweet. “I kind of play with a chip on my shoulders. I’ve always been one to kind of go at it and work the hardest. I’m just excited to go and help this new team, help the Falcons out in anyway that I can.”
Phillips had an interesting take on his size.
“I don’t feel undersized or anything, especially when I’m out there on the field,” Phillips said. “It’s just something that everybody is going to look at measurables, and (they should) take with a grain of salt. It’s something that I use to my advantage.
“I’ve been this size since my sophomore year of high school. I know my body best. I was one of those kids who grew early on, then they kind of passed me up. … So, I always feel like the big kid on the block. I’ve got tremendous strength.”
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LINEBACKERS – Dutchtown’s Will Anderson expected to go in the top 5 of NFL draft | Top LBs
CORNERBACKS – Former Georgia standout Kelee Ringo one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL draft | Top CBs
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SPECIAL TEAMS – Michigan’s Jake Moody hopes to kick way to NFL draft | Top STs
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