Darius Philon NFL Draft Profile

The story for Darius Philon coming to Arkansas was all about his initial commit to Alabama. A 3* prospect who had offers to multiple SEC schools decided to come to Fayetteville after being told he may be greyshirted at Alabama. That commitment was a big recruiting win for Arkansas, and he developed into a solid piece of the rebuilding process under Bret Bielema.

Career at Arkansas

Redshirt Season 2012: Worked on scout team and added 20 lbs and more strength. Minimal John L. Smith influence proved to be good for him.

Freshmen Season 2013: Philon played in all 12 games and started the last five. He recorded 46 tackles, including 9.0 for loss with 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries. Named All SEC- Freshmen Team, Athlon Freshman All-American (Second Team).

Sophomore Season 2014: Started all 13 games, racked up 46 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. earned All-SEC 2nd team honors.

Philon has above average skills as an interior pass rusher using his quick burst to get into the backfield consistently. He relies on leverage and speed on the inside to pursue ball carries and scrambling quarterbacks in the pocket.

At Arkansas he used quickness in stunts and twists from a 3 technique or wider in most cases. Philon posseses skills of a DE at the tackle position, which is invaluable against faster paced offenses.

Philon was a big part of the success for the Arkansas defense in 2014 and leaves a void in the middle. At the next level he will be a guy who is versatile enough to stay on the field against multiple personnel groupings and provide that interior rush that many teams are looking to add.

Philon will fit into a 4-3 scheme as the quick DT in the NFL. Played against the best Offensive Lines in the nation and showed steady production in his two seasons. Has the potential to add weight and mold his body at the NFL level while maintaining the same quickness. Whatever team lands Philon will be getting a high energy defensive lineman to add to their roster.

NFL.com projects Philon to be drafted in 4th round.