Seahawks fans who aren’t sold on Jalen Carter should probably get used to him getting mocked to their team in the top five. The Georgia defensive tackle is the consensus No. 1 prospect in this class and the one that fits Seattle’s personnel needs best. That means between now and draft day we’re going to be hearing his name a lot. For now, let’s focus on the Seahawks’ other first-round pick.
Right now it’s No. 18 overall thanks to the Dolphins’ punishment for their Tom Brady, Sean Payton tampering. In a new 2023 mock draft from Doug Farrar at Touchdown Wire, Seattle takes Carter first, then Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III at 18.
Just as Iowa produces the best offensive line prospects and Ohio State the top receivers, Utah is known for putting out excellent and pro ready defensive backs. Phillips is no exception. He may not have the size of a prototypical Pete Carroll cornerback (he’s listed as 5-foot-10, 191 pounds), but he comes loaded with a bonanza of ball skills. He’s posted nine interceptions and 21 passes defensed in 31 games for the Utes.
The scouting report on Phillips from The Draft Network says he’s quick and twitchy but a reactionary defender. Here’s the highlights.
As for where Phillips might fit in Seattle’s secondary, there’s only one spot that makes any sense.
Hopefully Tariq Woolen’s name will be written in permanent marker at right outside cornerback for the next 10 years and Coby Bryant is a strong candidate to start in the slot long-term. So, in order to start Phillips would have to replace Mike Jackson, who will become an unrestricted free agent in two months and has a chance to cash in on a quality season. If Jackson moves on, 2021 fourth-round pick Tre Brown would be Phillips’ only real competition for the left boundary spot.
