Philip Wheeler
LB, Georgia Tech · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #93 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 133 of ~144 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2016 (~92%). Last NFL season: 2016.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #115 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#93). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Georgia Tech: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.76 40-yard dash at 248 lbs: faster than 18% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 133 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 29 |
| Defense | 377 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2016 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 248 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.76 s |
| Bench press | 24 reps |
| Vertical | 31" |
| Broad jump | 118" |
| 3-cone | 7.11 s |
| Shuttle | 4.29 s |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #115 overall (#4 LB) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 90 | Marcus Harrison | redraft #142 |
| 91 | Jermichael Finley | redraft #59 |
| 92 | Cliff Avril | redraft #21 |
| 94 | Kevin O'Connell | redraft #219 |
| 95 | Mario Manningham | redraft #76 |
| 96 | Chad Rinehart | redraft #74 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.