NFL Team News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors, Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Overview However, there is no denying that both players are blue-chip prospects. Most believe it will be the latter, but nobody can say for sure. As a five-star recruit and the No. Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks. His lack of elite athleticism simply does not warrant such a label. His physicality and body lean also remind me of a more polished Kayvon Thibodeaux.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-leader-2','ezslot_12',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-leader-2-0'); Will Anderson Jr. Continue with Recommended Cookies. For his efforts, Anderson was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2021, 2022), the Lott Trophy (2022). Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images. He has a strong lower body to hold his ground in the run game and great speed around the edge to apply pressure on the quarterback. Below are some of the college football awards won by Will Anderson: NFL Scouting Combine Results When Anderson declares for the NFL Draft, we will post his NFL Scouting Combine on-field workout results in the table below. The only reason why I dont think he will be the first defender taken is because of his lack of size leading to a lack of scheme versatility. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | He has a very quick first step which allows him to gain leverage immediately after the snap. With his high pedigree and gargantuan size, Evan Neal certainly has the NFL's attention. More refinement with his hand usage, however, could help combat this. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Carter, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook. Will Anderson The QB Hunter: Bears 2023 Draft Scouting Report By Erik Lambert - Jan 16, 2023 5030 The Chicago Bears have a big decision ahead of them with the 2023 NFL draft. But Andersons size is a notable hindrance in that pursuit. Anderson Jr. is so explosive that he is regularly beating offensive linemen out of their stance - they never stand a chance! Not only does Anderson hit with force, but he can also generate excellent upper-body torque and use it to violently wrench down blocks when latched. Anderson has already fielded praise as one of the best prospects in a generation. I'm confident he could excel playing off the ball if called upon to do that at the next level. Will Anderson with a 4.69 40-yard dash with a 1.61 10-yard split.
Very good initial burst off the line of scrimmage shows in that 10-yard split. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Will Anderson Jr. And, the good news for him is that Anderson isn't eligible for the 2022 NFL. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Will Anderson. Will Anderson Jr. has been one of the most recognizable and decorated defensive prospects of this era. Going further, Andersons hand usage is advanced for his age. Reminder to everyone that the 1.61 split is the important part for Will Anderson, not the 4.69 (which is still okay at 250+). He's the best Alabama defender in the Nick Saban era and possibly the best Alabama defender in school history not named Derrick Thomas. Rankings and scouting reports courtesy of Sports Illustrated NFL Draft Bible. Will Anderson Jr. with a 4.69u on his first run. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. 17 Natl No. In a similar vein, his hands can be somewhat lax on occasion. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-banner-1-0'); Anderson Jr. is a former 5-star recruit out of Dutchtown High School in Hampton, Georgia. Will Anderson Jr. He also isn't super bendy to turn tight corners at the top of the rush or around the edge. Hes extremely active on the backside, and he can engulf runners with his brisk closing speed and wingspan. Get in Touch. As a run defender, Anderson has a unique style in that he attacks the offenses blocking scheme. Scouting Report - Draft Dive | 2023 NFL Draft LB Spotlight Will Anderson Jr. Continuing with his pursuit, Anderson consistently pursues to the sideline and can get his hands up to deflect passes and clog the passing lane. The only concern that I have is his slightly below-average size and strength. Pro Football Network, LLC. Anderson is an awesome physical talent, but the other elements of his game are almost more impressive. It's almost comical what he does to tight ends and running backs when they draw the unfortunate assignment to block him. Makes up for the lack of size and raw power with perfect use of leverage and length. Will Anderson Jr. is a menace off the edges. Check out the full scouting report. His numbers and measurements were similar to some talented edge-rushers: Will Anderson Jr. official 40 time: 4.60s, Khalil Mack Combine
6'2 5/8, 251
33 1/4 arm
10 1/4 hand
40: 4.65
Split: 1.64
DeMarcus Ware Combine:
6'4, 251
33 1/4 arm
10 hand
40: 4.69
Split: 1.68
Will Anderson Combine:
6'3 1/2, 253
33 7/8 arm
9 7/8 hand
40: 4.69u
Split: 1.61u. Filled with loads of talent, could he be the TOP Defensive End/Line Backer (Edge) taken in the 2023 NFL Draft? Hes hard to move one-on-one with his strength and leverage at the point of attack, and he has little to no issues getting off blocks with his excellent hand placement. Andersons entire game is tied together by his relentless, unending motor. His lack of size also hinders his scheme versatility where he will likely only fit as a 3-4 weakside linebacker. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Hopefully, whoever drafts him has the brains to stand him up as a 4-3 or 3-4 rusher and allow him to wreak havoc. 17 overall prospect in the 2020 class, Anderson received 39 offers coming out of high school. Where does Anderson win, where can he improve, and where might he be limited? . Anderson Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. . Is there anything that Will Anderson Jr. cannot do? Birthdate: 9/2/2001if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',144,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-144{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. For a complete report order Ourlads' Guide To The NFL Draft. 1 Pick, The Case for Will Levis To Be the No. All Rights Reserved. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. He had 57 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections. Likes to lunge and leave his feet to make tackles, leading to a high rate of missed tackles. Against power, counter and split zone, doesnt get his eyes inside to see and get underneath pullers as the spill player in run fits. Statistically, Anderson matches Thibodeaux in just 20 games: 110 tackles, 29.5 for loss and 18 sacks. Anderson, despite being the most talented player in college football, plays harder than anyone else on the field during what some would consider a meaningless snap. Can the talented LSU cornerback live up to the hype? If he were 65 and 265 pounds, perhaps hed meet that threshold. Best part of Will Anderson's workout today was how fluid he looked dropping into coverage and redirecting. He was also the best weakside defensive end in the nation. He just might be a little more effective as a stand-up outside 'backer. He managed 52 tackles, 10.5 for loss, seven sacks and one forced fumble through 13 games that year. It also allows him to get past the tackle before they get to their set point. It tells you everything about the competitiveness of a player. Scouting Report February 24, 2023 . In the ever-important 40-yard dash, Anderson ran an unofficial 4.69 in his first attempt, which was a solid time for a player of his size. Daniel Jeremiah offers his initial scouting report on Ole Miss' star QB, including an intriguing comp to an NFL veteran. After seeing what he brings to an NFL team, I strongly believe he will not fall out of the top five.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); As I have mentioned several times throughout this article, Anderson is the best prospect in this draft class. High School: Dutchtown HS (Hampton, GA)if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Recruit (247): 2020 class- No. Played 60+ snaps in 20 games in his career. Voit muokata valintojasi milloin tahansa napsauttamalla tietosuojan hallintapaneelin linkki sivustoissamme ja sovelluksissamme. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, how does his scouting report stack up? 5 Free Agent Team Fits For Pro Bowl Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens Backup Quarterback Options for 2023. Derek Stingley Jr. heads into the 2021 season as one of the most hyped prospects in college football. Can Spencer Rattler reach the heights of his OU predecessors? Trey Palmer Scouting Report . And when you factor in his burst, agility, strength, and other qualities, that makes him more exciting. 2021 statistics (15 games played): 102 tackles (58 solo), 34.5 for loss (17.5 sacks), three passes defensed. He is good at clogging lanes at the line, not allowing the running back to gain positive yardage. @AlabamaFTBL. Hes always battling in tight spaces, using rapid hands to fight through congestion. In a 2-point stance, he shows amazing initial quickness to run the arc and beat the opposing lineman. The belief is Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. could be that guy. I strongly encourage everyone to watch that video as it allows you to visualize everything I discuss in this scouting report. Anderson is very explosive in short ranges. Anderson was a top recruit coming out of high school, but he has had a hard time taking on a large role for the Bulldogs, who have been loaded at the position and utlizing a steady rotation. He is interested in the NFL, association football, NBA and field hockey but is keen to learn about other sports too. Will Anderson Jr. (31) LB - 2022 Finished his three years at UA ranked second on Alabama's career sacks list with 34.5 (-201 yards), trailing only Derrick Thomas The power from his lower trunk/ upper legs is undeniable. He also does not have a very powerful punch that forces the offensive lineman to drop the anchor. However, I was most blown away by his performance on extra-point attempts. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. Quickness will be amongst the best in the league for edge rushers. Will Levis 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 (estimate) . Current draft projection for Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The Alabama EDGE lacks quantifiably elite strength and length and can struggle to deconstruct around the apex against larger tackles. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) Scouting Report - NFL Draft Prospect Grade - 2023 NFL DRAFT TOP PICK? Gap-disciplined, wont leave his assignment until the running back commits. Between Anderson and Jalen Carter, draft evaluators have a split between who is 1a and who is 1b. Scouting report "Anderson has little weakness. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report EDGE, Alabama Crimson Tide Will Anderson Jr. has been one of the most recognizable and decorated defensive prospects of this era. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Draft Network. As a pass rusher, he has a dynamic first step. Much like how he profiles as a run defender, Anderson also wins in the same ways as a pass rusher. Anderson is a menace in pursuit. Scouting report A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. Scouting Report- January 6 | 2023 NFL Draft By Ryan Broyles Modified 07 Jan 2023 Follow Us Share Is Will Anderson Jr. the top. In his impressive 2021 season, Anderson secured 101 tackles, 31 for loss and a whopping 17.5 sacks in 15 games. Takes on blocks with low pad level and quick, accurate hands on the offensive linemans chest to gain leverage. On high-percentage passing downs, Alabama utilizes him on twists and stunts which makes it difficult for offensive lines to key in on him and potentially double-team him. He can knife through double-teams to tally tackles for loss. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report. He is explosive as a looper on stunts, too. I asked a source at Alabama about his character and he told me, "That's the best thing about him." Its hard to say from humble beginnings with Anderson because, in truth, hes always been at the forefront of the football landscape. Class: Junior. Former Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. is considered one of the top talents in the 2023 NFL draft class, and he put his skills on display Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 243 pounds (school measurements). It wouldn't be too far-fetched to say Anderson is a more violent player too. 6. During his time at Alabama, Anderson was utilized in multiple defensive lineman alignments, lining up as an edge player, 3-tech, and 4-tech, which put him in positions to attack the weak spots of a defense and disrupt plays with physicality. Check out Will Anderson Jr.'s full 247Sports profile,here. There is room for him to expand his pass rush arsenal, but all . Surprisingly strong for his size. Scouting report "Anderson has little weakness. He can traverse entire gaps with immediacy, and he has the elite lateral agility to stunt gaps and sustain acceleration while testing angles. You would be hard pressed to find any ranking that lists Anderson below third. 2021: 873 snaps in 15 games- tied for first amongst EDs in FBS. The most unique element of Anderson as a defender is the called twist and stunts that Alabama utilizes, which allow Anderson to attack the interior gaps of an offensive line with momentum, overwhelming offensive linemen with power, speed, and physicality. Finally, in his final season with Alabama, he had 24 solo tackles, 10 sacks, 1 interception, and a pass deflection. Can be lethal when slanting with his get-off and movement skills. In his collegiate career, the Hampton, Georgia, native racked up 204 tackles, 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks, as well as an eye-popping 206 quarterback pressures. . 1 WDE, per 247Sports' composite rankings, 2021 Honors: Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner (CFBs top defensive player), unanimous first-team All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2020 Honors: FWAA Freshman of the Year, Freshman All-American, SEC All-Freshman team. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 2023 NFL Draft scouting report: Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. Ryan Moran Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) defends against Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. A five-star prospect out of Dutchtown High School in Georgia, Anderson immediately became a force along Alabama's defensive line. As prospects prepare to see what their future holds, they will go through the Combine and Pro Days to impress NFL scouts, coaches and execs. He is able to record this many sacks because of his high motor and agility through traffic. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. Also works to get on an edge and has developed several inside countermoves off the bull rush. 1 Pick. His speed off the ball puts pressure on tackles vertically, and once they open their hips, he has the quickness and change of direction to dart inside and leave tackles grasping at air. Mock Draft Machine Beta Testing Has Begun! I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. As the looper, his change of direction and agility allow him to move laterally without losing ground, and he has the acceleration to win and close on the quarterback. Andersons agility allows him to work back inside and make a play on the QB in congested areas. All Rights Reserved. During his first on-field drill, Anderson stumbled a bit early on and looked a bit slow. Scouting Report: Alabama Crimson Tide, Linebacker, #31. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-box-4','ezslot_9',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-box-4-0'); Will Anderson Jr. 40-Time 4.55-4.60 range. DraftDive is a trusted source for draft information and predictions. A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. After being this productive for one of the best college football programs, it is safe to say he is an elite talent. Some notable players he was ranked above include Myles Murphy, Broderick Jones, Brian Branch, and Jahmyr Gibbs. During the 2021 season, he was the only player who had more sacks than Aidan Hutchinson. He decided not to do a second attempt, telling NFL Network that he was satisfied with his time. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Your login session has expired. DraftDive is a trusted source for draft information and predictions. He routinely plays to the whistle with elite energy and effort. What I liked: I'm tempted to say everything. When his rush does not get home, he shows the awareness to peel off and get his hands in passing lanes. Anderson was a top-50 prospect on ESPNs board in the 2020 recruiting class after racking up 22 sacks as a high school senior. He is the best pass rusher in the nation because he can effortlessly bend the edge and put pressure on the QB. nyttksemme sinulle kohdennettuja mainoksia ja sislt kiinnostusprofiileiden perusteella, mitataksemme kohdennettujen mainosten ja sisltjen tehokkuutta. And when defending the ground game, Anderson has the strength to set the edge, the burst to surge into lanes, and the effort and range to be a constant tackling threat. He doesn't have wow chase speed deep down the field but he is excellent in short areas (SEE: Anderson's quick redirect and tackle against electric Georgia RB James Cook early in the second quarter of the national title game). 1 overall pick, but we could see several first-round picks traded as teams look to move up and take advantage of the talent at the top of this year's draft class. Anderson recovered nicely with an impressive showing in his next drill to close out the day strong: Fancy footwork from , Will Anderson completely owned the pass rush drills. Right now, offensive linemen take an inside leverage approach to Anderson and force him to play through their frame. In 2021, as a sophomore, he led the nation in sacks (17.5) and tackles for loss (34.5) in winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He has a brutal forklift move and can also win with rips, swims, swipes, and cross-chops. EDGE, Alabama. In 2022, Anderson played in 13 games, amassing 51 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and one touchdown. Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Anderson, including his scouting report, prospect ranking, pro comparison, combine results, college and high school accolades and overall NFL outlook. He was also named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year twice (2021, 2022), is a two-time unanimous All-American, two-time First-Team All-SEC and was named to the Second-Team All-SEC his freshman year. Will Anderson is a dominant defender in Alabama's 4-3 defense. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. By the time his high school career ended, he had 39 offers. But in 2022 season, his numbers were down quite a bit. Teams will sometimes purposely leave him unblocked on runs to the other side, but he has the speed to track ball carriers down. That's the player you'll get when you draft Will Anderson Jr. Anderson's official time was later revealed to be 4.60. Widely known as one of the best players in college football. The 21-year-old has very good speed and power, has refined pass-rush moves, shows excellent hustle and is happy to run sideline-to-sideline. Manage Settings 1 Pick, The Case for Bryce Young To Be the No. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we'll breakdown what makes Will Anderson Jr such a coveted prospect. I love it when we get to see big non-conference matchups. edge Will Anderson's official 40 time: 4.60.
Blazin'
The potential top position player on the board. 1 WDE, 2022 Stats: 65 pressures 14 sacks 30 stops, 2021 Stats: 82 pressures 15 sacks 53 stops, Position Rank: ED1if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-leader-2','ezslot_16',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-leader-2','ezslot_17',129,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-leader-2-0_1'); .leader-2-multi-129{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Weight: 243 pounds After pushing my body to the limit, I need to fit in time to relax and recover. Will Anderson Jr. is a direct replica of Von Miller. Where he needs to improve: There isn't much to mention here. This often confuses offensive linemen and gives Anderson the competitive edge to shed the block and sack the QB. Will Anderson is likely the best player in this draft class and the tape confirms that. 1 EDGE|Overall: No. According to 247sports, Anderson was the best prospect coming out of the state of Georgia in the 2020 recruiting class. Anderson isnt the largest edge rusher, but hes an exceptional athlete, and he also brings surprising play strength and power capacity for his frame. Andersons hand usage as an edge rusher shows in his two-hand swipe, and he also prefers to use a long-arm to apply force to the offensive lineman and collapse them back into the quarterback. During his career at Alabama, Anderson has been named a two-time All-American, a two-time Nagurski Award winner, and a Bednarik Award winner. Some naysayers point to the drop in production in 2022, to which we would say two things: 1) There was no way he could replicate the 2021 season. Prolific looping around the middle on stunts due to his speed/burst. Anderson finished his career with 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss, trailing only Derrick Thomas in school history. In 2020 as a freshman Anderson Jr. saw action in 13 games and played a total of 646 snaps for the Crimson Tide. Anderson consistently made game-changing plays in both the run game and as a pass rusher, showcasing relentless effort, physicality, and being the most intense player on the field. Here's how he fared from an advanced analytics perspective, with. The Chicago Bears currently hold the No. The 2023 NFL Draft will run from April 27 to 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. When forcing the QB up in the pocket, he does a good job of cutting back to the inside. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! USFL Draft 2023 Standouts February 21, 2023 . Anderson's strengths With that frame, the Alabama EDGE has elite explosiveness, top-notch lateral agility, great artificial power capacity and play strength, and good bend. Ht: 6036 | Wt: 243 | Upd: 02/15/2023. Video Breakdown by Mike Schmitz Kyle Anderson is arguably the most unique prospect in this draft class, with an unprecedented combination of passing, rebounding, 3-point shooting percentage and basketball IQ in a 6-9 frame. He finished his career second in program history in both tackles for loss (62.0) and sacks (34.5) -- trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas in both categories. Alabama's Bryce Young took the college football world by storm in 2021, but what are his prospects for the NFL? You must be logged in to post a comment Jos et halua meidn ja kumppaneidemme kyttvn evsteit ja henkiltietoja nihin listarkoituksiin, napsauta Hylk kaikki. There is too much to love and he hardly shows any faults. Hes able to use his finesse and lateral suddenness to scrape by moving blocks. Is Kayvon Thibodeaux the NFL's next dominant edge defender? When his alignment is loose on the edge, he uses that runway to devastate offensive tackles with speed-to-power rushes. Exceptionally high motor and always finishes plays; Good athletic profile all round, no real weaknesses to athleticism; Disciplined in run defense, can keep contain and has good eye discipline; Can chase down running backs from backside; Good at destructing blocks in the run game; Is able to drop into coverage if needed and has shown that he can run with tight ends; Has a sneaky amount of versatility having been used as an off-ball linebacker, 3-4 interior defensive lineman and even as a defensive tackle (aside from his usual edge role); Can win with both power and speed (and often uses the right one for different situations); Very experienced player, received a lot of gametime at college; Is able to beat double teams and overcome chipping blockers with ease; Has shown that he can overpower interior offensive lineman as well as beat offensive tackles; High character guy who is a leader in the locker room. The 2021 NFL Draft brought another bushel of hyped wide receivers, but the group lacked one thing: size. Solid 40 time for him but was admittedly expecting a little higher. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. Slightly undersized in terms of weight (and, as a result, strength) for NFL level; Does not have high-end, elite athleticism that is usually attached to blue-chip prospects (see Myles Garrett and Chase Young, for example); Could develop more pass-rush moves to broaden range; College production in 2021 was better than in 2022 (part of this was down to some changes in defensive scheme). Beyond Andersons physical traits, he brings immediate high-level utility both as a pass rusher and a run defender. At 6-4, 245 pounds, linebacker Will . Even if he lacks elite size, Anderson is a potential blue-chip prospect and an early frontrunner to be a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. When in the phone booth, he needs to work on his ability to shed blocks by using his strength. His effort is outstanding to chase from the backside. Having worked with one of Bill Belichick's top scouts, I know the importance the Patriots head coach places on that play. Manage Settings 17 nationally, No. I was surprised to see how comfortable Anderson was in coverage when given the opportunity to drop back. Anderson has great acceleration to get past offensive linemen and close to the quarterback. Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 1, 2023, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. He also has an effective bull rush that hell use to set up those inside countermoves and allows him to be effective when turning speed to power.