NFL Draft Profile: Lonnie Phelps, EDGE, Kansas Jayhawks
Lonnie Phelps
Kansas Jayhawks
#47
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6021
Wt: 244
Hand: 0928
Arm: 3238
Wing: 7538
40: 4.80
DOB: 8/24/2000
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
High School: Mount Healthy
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Lonnie Phelps is an undersized pass rusher who wins with a high motor, effort and awareness - he may struggle at the next level having limited agility and strength as well as scheme restricted
Evaluation:
Lonnie Phelps is a compact and undersized EDGE with a below average lower body and thick upper body - frame exhibits limited space to add more good weight. Against the pass, Phelps shows a high motor and quick first step to obtain good leverage versus offensive tackles and pressure the quarterback. Due to him being undersized, Phelps uses it to his advantage to get low pad level and dip under blockers. He displays good hands to counter and continue to use his effort and motor to make the quarterback feel him in the pocket. With Phelps’ good athleticism, he will be more productive if he can develop his speed to power move, giving him another pass rushing move outside of spin, dip, and rip. When speed rushing around the edge, Phelps can be pushed past the pocket because of some ankle and hip stiffness. Against the run, Phelps is most effective versus the backside outside zone where he can hold the cutback and run down the runner. Phelps, however, lacks the arm length and strength to hold the point of attack against power runs and playside inside and outside zone. Due to him being undersized, he is unable to set the edge consistently and shed blockers with longer arm length to make a play on the runner. Phelps projects as scheme limited and may only suit as a weak side 3-4 OLB.
Grade:
7th Round
Background:
This season at Kansas, he finished with 57 total tackles (45 solo), 11.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and one pass deflection. Some of this season's honors include All-Big 12 Second Team (Coaches), All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (DNoY, DPoY) (Coaches), and All-Big 12 Second Team (AP). In 2021, he was named Second Team All-MAC. Finished the season with 13.5 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, 30 tackles, including 23 solo stops, and one fumble recovery.
