Darius Phillips NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

POSITIVES

—Converted wide receiver and plays like it with excellent ball skills and transitions.

—Able to track the ball in flight better than most corners in the class and plays through his hands well.

—Has shifty and smooth footwork to compete and mirror at the line of scrimmage.

—Opens his hips to run with fluidity and good flexibility.

—Has special teams value, with five career touchdowns as a returner.

NEGATIVES

—Undersized at 5'10" and 190 pounds and is primarily a slot corner in the NFL.

—Big slot receivers will body him for 10-yard completions all day long.

—Uninterested run support player who will expose the edge far too easily.

—No pop behind his pads and is a wrap-and-pray tackler.

—Better wide receiver and quarterback duos will manipulate his undisciplined eyes.

OVERALL

Phillips is a ball hawk with the smooth hands and body control that you'd expect from a former receiver. He is able to seamlessly track the ball in the air and play through the hands of offensive players. He's undersized and only suited to play in the slot, but he has plus footwork and should be a developmental Day 3 selection. 

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 5)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Cyrus Jones, New England Patriots