Browns selected LSU LB Jacob Phillips with the No. 97 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Phillips (6’3/229) was a two-year starting inside linebacker at LSU who led the SEC in tackles (113) as a junior during the Tigers’ National Championship season. He’s an instinctual player who plugs gaps against the run while remaining in control of his body, but his best trait is his reliable tackling. He finished 5th in PFF’s tackling grade among 460 FBS qualifiers, only missing 5-of-75 potential tackles. He was serviceable in coverage (7.2 YPT allowed) as well, although shiftier NFL players will give him more trouble. Jacobs, a 35th percentile athlete with 4.66 speed, could compete for starting reps on defense but should at least be an asset on special teams given his vision and high-end college production. He will barely be 21 years old on draft night.