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theramswire.usatoday.com]
Harrison Phillips in a trade back anyone?
Rams listed as good fit for one of the NFL Draft's top DT prospectsBy: Cameron DaSilva | March 24, 2018 10:00 am ETEven with Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers entrenched up front as the Los Angeles Rams’ starting defensive linemen, there’s still a gaping hole at nose tackle. Neither are particularly great fits at that position, which is why Los Angeles is in the market for a bigger run-stuffing defensive tackle.
There are plenty of those in the draft, and one player in particular is viewed as a good fit in Pro Football Focus’ eyes. And no, it’s (surprisingly) not Vita Vea out of Washington.
Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips gets the nod there as a strong fit for the Rams. The Falcons and Jaguars are also listed among the other teams who could vie for his services.
The Rams’ interest in a defensive tackle is largely contingent on where Suh goes, as they were his last visit and could be the leader in the clubhouse at this point. If they don’t land the superstar free agent, Phillips would provide a huge boost to a run defense that struggled significantly at times last year. Phillips led all interior defenders last year in run stops and was second with a run-stop percentage of 13.2.
Those last two factoids should excite the Rams. After ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed and 30th in yards per attempt last season, the Rams clearly need some help up front. Phillips is a player who can help shore up the team’s run defense.
At 6-foot-4, 307 pounds, Phillips has great size. He fits nicely into the Rams’ 3-4 scheme, lining up over the center as the 0-technique. He could be a Day 1 starter for the Rams, and although taking him in the first round would be a bit of a reach, he could be a trade-back target in Round 2.
