Western Michigan held its pro day on Thursday, and the San Francisco 49ers were on hand to watch cornerback Darius Phillips work out for NFL teams, according to Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst.
"Phillips measured just a tick under 5-foot-10 and weighed 188 pounds. His 40 times ranged as low as 4.38 and 4.43, more than one-tenth faster than his combine mark ... He also timed 4.18 in the short shuttle," wrote Pauline.
The improvement in his 40-time was because of an ankle injury that Phillips struggled with during the 2017 season, which he reportedly re-injured during practice for the Senior Bowl. He ended up having to leave Mobile, Alabama because of the issue. Phillips was not 100 percent at the combine but appears to be back at full speed.
"Phillips looked terrific in both defensive back and special-teams drills," Pauline continued. "Teams are as much intrigued by his big-play potential as a return specialist as they are by his cover skills. The Buffalo Bills had their special teams coach on hand, while the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals also sent special-teams people to watch Phillips field punts and kicks. Besides interviewing with the Bills yesterday, Phillips also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers."
Phillips started his college career as a wide receiver and transitioned to cornerback during his sophomore year. In three seasons at the new position, he registered 127 combined tackles, 35 passes defensed, two sacks, four forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions, five of which he returned for touchdowns. In 2017, Phillips recorded 39 combined tackles, a sack, 10 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and a touchdown.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5-foot-10 and 190-pound Phillips had a 40-time of 4.54 seconds. NFL.com projects that he will be a fourth- or fifth-round draft pick.
Lance Zierlein of NFL Media, who compares Phillips to Charles Gaines, had the following to say in his scouting report:
"Ball-hawking cornerback with athletic ability and short area quickness to handle man coverage from slot and the instincts to play zone effectively. Phillips will have to move inside due to his lack of size so his issues in run support could be exploited by offensive coordinators. He should test well at the Combine so his draft value will depend directly on how teams prioritize toughness versus ball skills."
Measurables
Height: 5-10
Weight: 190 lbs.
NFL Scouting Combine
40-time: 4.54 seconds
College Statistics
| Year | G | Tkl | PD | Int | Yds |
| 2013 | RS | - | - | - | - |
| 2014 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | 13 | 48 | 16 | 5 | 50 |
| 2016 | 14 | 40 | 9 | 4 | 263 |
| 2017 | 12 | 39 | 10 | 3 | 63 |
| Totals | 51 | 127 | 35 | 12 | 376 |