The Jacksonville Jaguars have met with 20 prospects that we know of, and on Monday, that list increased to 22. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, one of those prospects was Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, who is projected to at least be a Day 2 pick. The other prospect was Texas Christian running back Kendre Miller, who posted the news of his visit from his own Instagram page.
Phillips, 21, has started in 32 games for the Utes at the right cornerback position and was highly productive, accumulating nine career interceptions. He also amassed 112 total tackles, 30 pass breakups, and two career force fumbles. During his final season with the Utes in 2022, he garnered a Pro Football Focus grade of 85.2, the highest of his career.
Phillips, who is 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, may not have the size ideal for most teams to play on the outside in the NFL. When factoring in how he tested at the NFL Scouting Combine (he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, most notably), he has an excellent chance to become a nickel cornerback at the next level. While he was a starting right cornerback for the Utes, it's a position he's familiar with, as he's taken 424 snaps in the slot, according to PFF.
It's no secret that the Jags need a nickel option, which is why their interest in Phillips makes sense. That said, the Jags may have their eyes on Phillips regarding their second-round selection (pick No. 56).
Miller, 20, enters the draft after playing in 33 games with the Horned Frogs. Like Clark, he's played in over 30 games (33), which means he has plenty of experience. While with their football program, he accumulated 2,410 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns through 361 carries.
Miller had a solid junior campaign in 2022 before leaving TCU, hitting a career-high of 1,399 rushing yards through 224 carries with 17 rushing touchdowns. As for his draft stock, he can be a late Day 2 pick to early Day 3 pick.
The Jags' interest in Miller comes after Jags coach Doug Pederson said the team would look to bolster their running back room this offseason.
“I think in today’s game, you’ve got to have two to three guys,” Pederson at this year's NFL Scouting Combine, according to Jaguars Wire. “They’ve got to be able to carry the load. You’re talking about an 18-week, 17-game schedule, and the postseason. It’s wear and tear on guys.
“We haven’t seen enough of Snoop Conner yet either, but we like him. We know what JaMycal can do, we obviously know what Etienne can do. So yeah, you’re always looking to have two, three, four guys that can work the rotation.”
Since then, the Jags have added veteran running back D'Ernest Johnson, who can be the team's RB2. However, if the draft board presents them with the opportunity to get a running back late (who can help as a specialist), they certainly could add another young option.