The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers need to improve on special teams and they need to restock the talent inside the wide receiver cupboard at 1265 Lombardi Avenue.
A player that could help Brian Gutekunst kill two birds with one stone is Kyle Philips. The UCLA wide receiver checks in at No. 76 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Philips came to UCLA as a four-star recruit. In 2019, Philips had 60 receptions for 681 yards and five touchdowns. Philips also showed off his special teams value with one punt return touchdown.
In the shortened 2020 season, Philips caught 29 passes for 370 yards and two touchdowns. This past season the UCLA wide receiver recorded 59 receptions for 739 yards and 10 touchdowns. Philips added one punt return touchdown.
Philips built off his solid season by having a strong week at the Shrine Bowl. The UCLA wide receiver broke a bunch of ankles during one-on-ones.
“Kyle was one of our top performers at any position through Shrine Bowl practices,” Shane Coughlin, the Director of College Scouting for the Shrine Bowl, said. “His detail off the stem stands out on tape but seeing his cuts and short-area quickness from the sidelines was really impressive. He was also outstanding off the field, you can see how focused he is around the building and in meetings. He handled his interviews with professionalism and we’re really excited for his NFL future.”
Philips may be one of the best slot wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Philips is so sudden off the line of scrimmage. He has quick feet and a Master’s Degree in route running. There are no wasted movements. Every step has a purpose for Philips.
“His route running is sharp and controlled,” Coughlin said. “He attacks leverage early and his up-field burst can set defenders off-balance to work himself open. He also showed variety in his release package and found new ways to win day to day, even period to period. His upside as a slot is really high.”
A common comparison for Philips will be Hunter Renfrow. Philips looks a lot like Renfrow with the way he shakes defensive backs with his footwork and head bobs.
Like Renfrow, Philips won’t blow the doors off with his testing numbers. Also like Renfrow, Philips is always open. He’s able to create separation with his technique.
“His route running is so crisp and sudden in short areas,” Josh Carney, a contributor for Steelers Depot, said. “That’s where he wins. He doesn’t have great long speed and won’t run away from guys, but he’s twitched up in short areas, allowing him to create plenty of separation to win on routes.”
Philips is going to make a killing in the short and intermediate routes. He’s so sudden and has the short-area burst. With the way he works himself open, he’s going to be a quarterback’s best friend early in his career.
On an episode of the Journey to the Draft podcast, Eric Galko, the Shrine Bowl director, made a comment regarding Philips that ought to get folks excited about the UCLA wide receiver.
“There is a catch where it was a back-shoulder from the slot where you’re saying, ‘Is that Cooper Kupp? Or is that Kyle Philips?’… He’s maybe not as vertically threatening as Cooper Kupp. He has more range than Hunter Renfrow. He’s somewhere between those guys as prospects.”
Philips has some juice after the catch. He has some shake, where he’s able to make people miss. He’s not going to drive through contact like Deebo Samuel, but he’s capable of creating YAC. In fact, UCLA utilized him out of the backfield in certain packages. Like on the play below:
“He should remind many of Brandon Stokley after the catch,” Carney said. “Tough, some wiggle to his game, but the ultimate possession receiver.”
Where Philips can make his mark immediately is on special teams. He has two career punt return touchdowns and this past season he averaged over 20 yards per return (on nine attempts).
“We had a lot of elite special teamers kicking, returning, and covering but Kyle stood out with his natural drift to punts,” Coughlin said. “He fielded cleanly and consistently and is really patient once he initiates his return path. It’s the control and instincts that help him succeed as a route runner, ball carrier, and returner.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to improve on special teams. An area where they desperately need to improve is their return game. It’s an area where Philips could make an immediate impact.
On top of that, the wide receiver position in Green Bay is a mess. Will they opt to make Davante Adams the highest-paid wide receiver in the league? Will they bring back Allen Lazard? Will deep threat Marquez Valdes-Scantling get a new deal this offseason? Will the Packers bring Randall Cobb back?
Even if the Packers bring Adams back, Philips could provide a steady presence as the slot receiver during his rookie season.
Philips is NFL-ready. He’s a savvy route runner. He has reliable hands. He provides special teams value.
“All of his skills are directly translatable to the next level and he’ll be an impact player for any team that drafts him,” Coughlin said. “Route running, play speed, instincts, and ball skills are scheme versatile strengths. He really helped himself with a dominant week at the Shrine Bowl and productive senior season and showed everything worthy of a Top 50 overall pick.”
