The propaganda of the “elite athlete”, #43 vs #15.


I am referring to Andrew Van Ginkel and Jaelan Phillips. Most scouts view #15 (Phillips) as a absurdly talented athlete. He scored an absurd 9.87 RAS score. The consensus is that he has elite potential. If you were to ask the casual fan the difference in athleticism between #15 (Phillips) and #43 (Van Ginkel) most would assume that #15 is light years more athletic. This assumption is false. Yes Phillips graded better as an athlete but AVG also graded as an elite athlete at the same position with a RAS of 9.24.

Functional Athleticism.

As far as field speed and explosion; the two players are basically the same athlete. The only advantage each player has respectively is: #15 is taller & longer, whereas #43 (AVG) scored as having Elite agility for a DE. My point is that both of these players are ELITE athletes. Elite athletes using Pro-Football as the measuring stick. Any RAS above 9 is in the 90% of every measured NFL athlete at that position in the last 30 years. That is ELITE! For perspective Mat Judon from the Patriots graded a 7.0!! Yet, no one views AVG as an elite athlete (besides the RAS people) the consensus is that he is just quality depth. 


#15 fits the model of what a pass rusher should look like, #43 not so much. However, #43 is just as effective as a pash rusher and is far superior in coverage because of his elite agility grade. Furthermore, because he is somewhat shorter he has better center of gravity and is rarely stood up. Although #15 has become a fantastic player, he isn’t particularly good at attacking blockers underneath (below the blocker, LOW).


Lastly, I have been clear on my philosophy of the importance of being available. In my estimation the athlete that can’t stay healthy can’t be considered a better athlete than the one that never gets injured. The ability to be durable is an athletic metric that can’t be measured in a day, it is measured in time. 


AVG measured half a point under Phillips in the combine, a negligible difference. However, his career performance, his coverage abilities, and his durability compels me to conclude that AVG is ultimately the better Athlete. 


2023 PFF Scores

AVG #43


Phillps #15




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