2015 NFL Draft | Oklahoma DT Jordan Phillips Poised To Become 1st Round Pick

The NFL Draft lies just around the corner. With more than a handful of hopefuls, players wait patiently to hear their name called. Currently, the Oklahoma Sooners have 32 players on NFL rosters while placing 42 former players in the first round. On Thursday, that number could jump up to 43 first rounders. Make sure you tune into the NFL Draft on the NFL Network for the best wire to wire coverage.

Oklahoma Sooners Draft History

Player To Watch: DT Jordan Phillips

Jordan Phillips entered the college ranks with an athleticism rarely seen from a 6'5 329-pound player while the coaching staff reluctantly watched him perform standing backflips. After a redshirt season, the Kansas native emerged as a playmaker and force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defensive line. But a back injury sidelined the star in the making and left fans with questions of, "would Phillips return as a shell of his former self?"

Fortunately for a defense that struggled against the run in his absence, Phillips returned in 2014 to lead a rushing defense that gave up 15 touchdowns on the season along with 3.02 yards per attempt. Starting all 13 games, the tackle was named to the All-Conference 2nd Team. Yet, questions of health and experience follow the NFL hopeful.

In the coming days, the former Oklahoma Sooner has a legitimate shot a becoming a first round draft pick in the 2015 NFL Draft following in the footsteps of other former Sooners.

Jordan Phillips Player Profile

Age: 22

Height: 6'5

Weight: 329-pounds

NFL Draft Grade: 5.9

NFL Draft Projection: 1st or 2nd Round to Cincinnati (which picks 21st), Detroit, Indianapolis (29th), New Orleans (31st) or New England

What scouts are saying: "He has the body type and length to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, but there is no reason to move him from the nose. If he gets that motor going, he could be a dominant pro." -- AFC North scout

NFL Comparison: Terrance Knighton, Dontari Poe