During the 2021 season, he was the only player who had more sacks than Aidan Hutchinson. He checks every box. 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. In fact, Andersons motor might be his best trait. Will Anderson Jr. in Mock Drafts. 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. They can also track down the ball carrier and make a tackle. Puts himself in position to make plays consistently, but at times struggles tackling. Scouting Report and Player Profile Analyst Matthew Lewis. They understand how to set up blockers and finish. Youve now completed your Big Board, but if you want to save it youll need to become a TDN Premium member. Over the past few seasons, Anderson Jr. has been one of the nation's best pass rushers. Copyright 2019-2023. Anderson is far from a liability with his size. 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. As the penetrator, his get-off and aggressiveness at the point of attack will catch offensive linemen off guard and get them off their feet. Will Anderson Scouting Report. Jos haluat muokata valintojasi, napsauta Hallitse tietosuoja-asetuksia. Not a big knock as hes simply more of a speed rusher as opposed to a power rusher. . But at 64, 243 pounds, he projects more as a stand-up edge rusher with relatively little inside-outside versatility. After reviewing the game tape, Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the hyped Alabama offensive tackle. The Minnesota Vikings are currently at the NFL Scouting Combine looking to find the next future stars to wear the purple and gold. DraftDive is a trusted source for draft information and predictions. Will Anderson, Through the Lens of Our OLB Scouting Algorithm: -- Two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, two-time consensus All-American. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report. , Now we're talking, baby. Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr. USA Today Sports. Anderson Jr. Is not just elite athletically, but hes very good technically as he knows how to use his hands to win leverage battles. Anderson could improve by becoming more diverse as a pass rusher and adding more speed and counters to his game. Will Matt Corral follow a Zach Wilson-like trajectory to the next level? Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. Potential Bears first-round pick Will Anderson Jr. appreciates the rare opportunity he has and expressed this to media members at the NFL Scouting Combine. 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. Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department has been hard at work evaluating the top prospects in this . Overall, Anderson has proven to be a dominant edge player that plays with the passion and intensity wanted from a high draft pick and the character franchises want for a face-of-the-franchise player. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we'll breakdown what makes Will Anderson Jr such a coveted prospect. Will Anderson Jr. is most definitely a blue chip prospect. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Many view him as the best player in the draft that is not a quarterback. Excluding off-ball linebackers, Anderson's pressure rate of 18.3% placed fourth in the FBS, and his 3.8% sack rate tied for third. Recognizes and anticipates chip blocks well, which allows him to take them on and avoid getting caught off guard or put on the ground. Not only quick, but his reaction time to snaps is phenomenal. 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. This is the second entry in a series of scouting reports that will run throughout July. His freshman year was quieter, but still impressive. It tells you everything about the competitiveness of a player. Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowl selectee, bends a little better than Anderson but I'd give the Bama edge rusher the nod when it comes to pure power. Anderson has very few deficiencies, but there are several traits that arent quantifiably elite among them bend, size, and hand usage. A bit undersized at 6-foot-4, 243 pounds youd expect him to be at a disadvantage defending the run, but hes actually a very good run defender. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Looked very comfortable from the stand up position as a 3-4 OLB. It also allows him to get past the tackle before they get to their set point. Both guys have very long arms. Starting with bend, Anderson pops up a bit upright out of his stance at times, which can sap at initial explosiveness. Manage Settings Current draft projection for Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. SEC Football Way-Too-Early 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Alabama OLB Will Anderson Jr. Positives: The minute you turn on the tape to evaluate Will Anderson Jr. - the explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is disarming. Also uses his hands well to get clean wins that lead to sacks. That's not the case with Arkansas' Treylon Burks, a beastly WR who reminds Daniel Jeremiah of Titans star A.J. Will Liberty's Malik Willis be the next dual-threat quarterback to make scouts salivate? Biggest takeaway: I could make a 20-minute highlight tape of impressive defensive snaps from Anderson during the 2021 season. Will Anderson, Jr. Alabama edge rusher, ranked the No. Position: No. I'm blown away that he's even working out when so many top players don't. He decided not to do a second attempt, telling NFL Network that he was satisfied with his time. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. Alabama ran him on a ton of stunts up front, with him exploding around the corner, attacking the opposition's QB. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. But it was even more distinct in 2021 when Anderson ruled the trenches to the tune of 17 1/2 sacks and 31 tackles for loss. Anderson scouting . 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Will Anderson. Anderson Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. Scouting Report by Jonathan Givony. It's clear that any team that lands Anderson will be getting a generational talent, and he further cemented his status as a top prospect in this year's draft class with his performance Thursday. Will Anderson is a dominant defender in Alabama's 4-3 defense. He combines explosiveness, power, violent hands, and a hot motor to constantly make his presence felt by quarterbacks. That was evident even in 2020 when Anderson logged seven sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss as a true freshman. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Position: Edge When his rush does not get home, he shows the awareness to peel off and get his hands in passing lanes. Will Anderson Jr. so fluid on the bags. cnx({
Solid 40 time for him but was admittedly expecting a little higher. This is the. 1 overall pass-rusher. He consistently seeks to replace hands and re-exert power when anchored and can accomplish this with his torque and explosion. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. He's as polished and explosive as any pass rusher I've ever evaluated. First two-time Nagurski Award winner since 1996 (Best defensive player in college football), 2022: 14 sacks, 65 pressures- tied for second in the power five, 2021: 15 sacks, 82 pressures- most in FBS, Dominant as a run stopper in all 3 seasons, Run defense grades: 2022- 86.0 2021- 89.6 2020- 81.1, 53 stops in 2021 was second amongst FBS EDs. Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks. He also does not have a very powerful punch that forces the offensive lineman to drop the anchor. Anderson's strengths There is room for him to expand his pass rush arsenal, but all . Anderson brings good length at his size, with arms that will likely measure over 33. Played 60+ snaps in 20 games in his career. Anderson Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. Please logout and login again. No rookie is cant-miss but Anderson is very close. In 2020 as a freshman Anderson Jr. saw action in 13 games and played a total of 646 snaps for the Crimson Tide. 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. Anderson has long arms and he keeps opponents away from his chest. 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. 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. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/draft/free/stories, at Most believe it will be the latter, but nobody can say for sure. And, the good news for him is that Anderson isn't eligible for the 2022 NFL. He just might be a little more effective as a stand-up outside 'backer. 2) After dominating collegiate athletes for two seasons, it is possible that Will Anderson Jr. got bored. This allows him to sack the QB or force them outside of the pocket. At times, he eats up too much space before engaging and cant manipulate angles or load up his hands. If he were 65 and 265 pounds, perhaps hed meet that threshold. In the run game, his style is all about attacking and physically imposing his will on offensive linemen to be a dominant run defender. Will Anderson Jr. }).render("bb96ad3fa3274bd9b3b8932a057f1f33");
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. Ht: 6036 | Wt: 243 | Upd: 02/15/2023. Played 600+ snaps in 2022, 2021, and 2020 seasons. Rankings and scouting reports courtesy of Sports Illustrated NFL Draft Bible. Anderson has been hailed by many as the best prospect in this draft class, and he's someone who's a disruptive pass . He can also take off toward the inside of the line to perform stunts and knock the interior offensive lineman off balance. 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. Raiders are still the odds favorite to land Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Nine Georgia Bulldogs football players have been arrested in the past 14 months, Five Biggest Losers from Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine, Five Biggest Winners from Day 1 of the NFL Scouting Combine, Florida Quarterback Anthony Richardson is absolutely crushing interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine, Bryce Young says he cannot control his size, but he can control his play. Having said this, Anderson is still a phenomenal prospect who very well could have competed for the EDGE1 mantle in the 2022 NFL Draft. As a pass-rusher, Anderson is impressive with his inside countermoves. Will Anderson Jr. was one of the best defensive players in college football over the last decade. The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. But its important to make no prospect untouchable. 17 Natl No. Latest on Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN In 1-on-1 situations, he can set up tackles with rushing angles, then capitalize on displacement and multitask around the apex. With that frame, the Alabama EDGE has elite explosiveness, top-notch lateral agility, great artificial power capacity and play strength, and good bend. After pushing my body to the limit, I need to fit in time to relax and recover. It's the adjective that swamps his evaluation when asked about Montana State do-it-all prospect Troy Andersen. The 2021 NFL Draft brought another bushel of hyped wide receivers, but the group lacked one thing: size. Adam Anderson 2021 Preview By Charlie Campbell Career Recap: Georgia has been a factory for top-notch defensive talent under Kirby Smart, and Anderson will continue that trend for the 2022 NFL Draft. OLB | JR | Alabama. Scouting Report Following three highly successful years at Alabama, Will Anderson Jr. enters the 2023 NFL Draft aged 21. Sep 3, 2022 Alabama defender Will Anderson Jr. has a chance to go down as one of the top draft prospects in recent memory. Anderson plays with more strength and power than Thibodeaux but is every bit as explosive. Could Anthony Richardson go number one overall? Check out the full scouting report. Anderson can also improve his timing and spatial awareness. In what should be no surprise to anyone, Anderson Jr. had a plethora of Division I offers while at Dutchtown. Also works to get on an edge and has developed several inside countermoves off the bull rush. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This page is intended to provide links to Ourlads' Draft . So, what's the book on the quarterback heading into the 2022 college football season? Always has a plan and is very decisive with his movements . Check out Will Anderson Jr.'s full 247Sports profile,here. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. Versatility. If a tackle doesnt get out of his stance quickly hes getting beat around the edge. cnx.cmd.push(function() {
In the last two seasons for the Crimson Tide, he had 98 hurries and 29 sacks, and those numbers underscore how dominant he was, at times. It was an excellent final season with the Crimson Tide. In 2022, Anderson played in 13 games, amassing 51 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and one touchdown. Its hard to say from humble beginnings with Anderson because, in truth, hes always been at the forefront of the football landscape. Although he is good at bending the edge and making a play on the QB from the outside of the line, he is also proficient at performing stunts and twists. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Not here. He's a two-time unanimous All-American, two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Nagurski Trophy winner, given to the nation's best defender. 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. . He is explosive as a looper on stunts, too. The Alabama EDGE can target and negate extensions with precise hands, and he can use brutal swipes to keep himself clean in congestion. Get our free mobile app The 2023 NFL Combine will be held from Thursday, March 2 to Sunday, March 5. Additionally, his motor shows up on the chase as well. According to a police report, LeCroy's vehicle was traveling at 104 mph when the crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. near downtown Athens, and a toxicology report indicated the driver had a blood . For his efforts, Anderson was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2021, 2022), the Lott Trophy (2022). A talent with All-America honors on both sides of the football, he's a one-of-one in this year's draft class. Login. Brown. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama Edge | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report Home > College Football > Alabama Crimson Tide Football. Where does Anderson win, where can he improve, and where might he be limited? Having worked with one of Bill Belichick's top scouts, I know the importance the Patriots head coach places on that play. Will Anderson Jr. C.J. More refinement with his hand usage, however, could help combat this. Here's a comprehensive look at all those factors. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. Against the run, he easily stacks single blocks and sets the edge. After high school, Anderson Jr. joined Alabama after being heavily recruited. #DrTeals #ad 0:16 13.2K views 17 38 FULL LIST OF 2023 SCOUTING REPORTS Height: 6'4" Weight: 243 Lbs Position: Edge Rusher School: Alabama Year: Junior BACKGROUND Will Anderson is one of the top-ranked, elite prospects available for the 2023 NFL Draft. I'm confident he could excel playing off the ball if called upon to do that at the next level. In the last two seasons for the. As a five-star recruit and the No. Is Kayvon Thibodeaux the NFL's next dominant edge defender? Throughout the course of the week, teams will be allowed to interview players to help them make their choices easier when it comes time for the NFL draft in April. He is the number one overall prospect (on average) according to ESPNs top-four pundits. Anderson ended up finishing third in the SEC with 7.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss to go with 52 tackles and a team-high eight quarterback pressures. According to ESPN, as a true freshman, he had 33 solo tackles, 7 sacks, and a forced fumble. That's just an added luxury. 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. Best part of Will Anderson's workout today was how fluid he looked dropping into coverage and redirecting. But on the field, Anderson is just as imposing. Anderson finished his career with 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss, trailing only Derrick Thomas in school history. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. However, it should be noted that he won't be doing a lot of coverage as an off-ball linebacker because any team that drafts him would deploy him as a pass-rusher. They are devastating on the backside versus the run and they play with excellent effort. Best player in college football and still decides to compete today (when he could of sat and done nothing). Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images. DraftDive is a trusted source for draft information and predictions. So, what's the book on the Kentucky quarterback? He consistently wraps up and has the strength to make solo tackles. The Chicago Bears currently hold the No. He has enough ankle flexion to pinch tight angles around blockers when stunting. 1 EDGE|Overall: No. The former Alabama linebacker recorded a strong unofficial time of 4.69 seconds at 253 pounds. 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. section: | slug: will-anderson-jr-nfl-draft-2023-scouting-report-nfl-combine-results-prospect-ranking-pro-comparison-more | sport: football | route: article_single_special | When lined up in a 3-point stance, he does a very good job of exploding forward and being the first one to engage in contact. Pete Golding has coached plenty of elite players at Alabama, but Will Anderson Jr. might be the best of the bunch.