Jason Taylor Told Dan Sileo: Hakeem Mesadour Is a Healthier Jaelan Phillips

The Jason Taylor Connection

When a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played edge rusher at the highest level for over a decade texts you his evaluation of a draft prospect, you pay attention.

Jason Taylor reached out to Dan Sileo with a direct comparison that should have every Eagles fan's ears perked up: Hakeem Mesadour is a healthier version of Jaelan Phillips.

Not just healthy — more refined. Taylor, who watched both players come through the University of Miami program, believes Mesadour's technique is more polished than what Phillips showed coming out of college. And Taylor would know — he personally helped coach Mesadour's pass rush toolbox.

The Scouting Report

The numbers back up the Hall of Famer's assessment. Mesadour shows excellent bend with a relentless motor. He plays with refined technique as a pass rusher, using his hands and hips well to finish. He pairs that with an explosive first step and ranked among the most disruptive players in the country with a high pass rush win rate.

He's versatile enough to kick inside on passing downs and is armed with a deep pass rush toolbox. He's exceptional against the run. In short, he's exactly the type of edge defender Vic Fangio covets.

The Phillips Overlap

The comparison to Phillips is instructive for Eagles fans who watched what Phillips brought to this defense. Phillips was a game-changer when healthy — the problem was staying healthy. At $30 million per year with Carolina, the Eagles were right to let him walk.

But the need didn't walk with him. The Eagles' pass rush is their biggest weakness heading into 2026, and finding Phillips' replacement is priority one. If Mesadour is available at 23 — and he might be, having been somewhat overshadowed by Reuben Bain on the other side at Miami — this could be the pick that defines the Eagles' draft.

Why This Matters at 23

Most mock drafts have the Eagles going offensive line at 23. That's reasonable — the Stoutland departure and the health concerns along the front five make it a legitimate need. But if the Eagles can address edge rusher with a prospect who has Hall of Fame endorsement at 23, the offensive line can be addressed in the second round or through free agency.

Jason Taylor doesn't hand out comparisons lightly. When he says Mesadour is a healthier Phillips, the Eagles should be listening.