Merling has plenty of quickness of the edge, making him effective at rushing the passer and stretching out running plays to the sidelines.    

Known Injuries:

None    

Combine / Workout Assessment: COMING SOON

Analysis: Merling is one of the top defensive end prospects available in 2008, but it doesn’t look like he’s done enough in pre-draft workouts to crack the first round. Phillip will be targeted by teams which employ a 4-3 defense and be used exclusively as an end. Although he isn’t a liability in the running game, his strength is rushing the passer and that will be how he makes an impact early in his career. Merling will need to add strength if he wants to be an every-down threat, both to hold his own against the run and add a greater variety of moves to his pass-rushing repertoire.