New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan may have been behind some of the worst draft decisions in this franchise’s history. But he definitely made a few correct moves over the years in terms of the post-draft UDFA pool — including last year’s decision, in the form of a $30,000 guarantee to injury-riddled Tennessee defensive lineman Kyle Phillips.
The only Volunteer graded draft-worthy last April overcame back-to-back season-ending shoulder surgeries to crush the SEC in 2018 with his awe-inspiring arsenal of sacks, tackles for losses, pass deflections and interceptions.
The son of retired women’s pro basketball star and longtime Tennessee State athletic director Teresa Phillips (the first African-American AD, now entering her 20th season) greatly impressed defensive coordinator Gregg Williams from his first visit to Florham Park.