Player Spotlight; Phillip Merling
DJ Boyer |Apr 10,2008
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 Player Spotlight; Phillip Merling
*Phillip Merling Defensive End Clemson*
Junior 6-5 275
*Strengths:* Run/pass recognition
*Weaknesses:* Upper body strength
*Statline:* 78 tackles with 17 for loss and 7 sacks as a junior in 2007.
*Technique:* One of the more complete defensive ends in this draft who is still very raw when it comes to being a pass rusher. Makes so many plays on skill and instinct alone, you can see the progression he has gone through and improvement every game.
*Known Injuries:* Very durable player who never missed a game for the Clemson Tigers
*Combine / Workout Assessment:* 4.75 in the 40-yard dash with 18 reps at 225 pounds.
*DJ Boyer's Analysis:* Phillip Merling was a player that didn’t really stand out to me until I saw him on film and studied him very closely. Very raw and unrefined and many of his seven sacks this past season came from sheer hustle and determination. Merling has the fame to be very bulky and have a stronger upper body and it is something he needs to work on but Merling shows amazing footwork and pursuit ability. Rarely gets fooled by play action plays or misdirections. Is a developing pass rusher who can stay at home and play the run when needed. Due to lack of upper body strength I saw too many runner get by on attempted arm tackles but the recognition is there, as he refines his moves his pass rushing skills will get better and better. Merling has the potential to be a “diamond in the rough” type of player who could be one of the steals of this draft when you go back and grade it 3 years from now.
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