Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as the college football season comes to a close and we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft.. Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Anderson, including his high school and college accolades, scouting report and prospect outlook for one of the best players in college football. And he can flip his hips in tight spaces, making it easier to clog lanes in run defense. There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. Anderson brings good length at his size, with arms that will likely measure over 33. With that being said, there are not many weaknesses to his game. Will Anderson out here moving better than all of the actual linebackers after the NFL put him in this group is objectively hilarious. He had 57 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections. According to 247sports, Anderson was the best prospect coming out of the state of Georgia in the 2020 recruiting class. Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $200 If Your Bet Wins, Be the first one to comment on this story. There is room for him to expand his pass rush arsenal, but all . Much like how he profiles as a run defender, Anderson also wins in the same ways as a pass rusher. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting report, prospect ranking If a tackle doesnt get out of his stance quickly hes getting beat around the edge. 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. Big selling point to his game as he can play at a high level across a lot of snaps. On edge-contain plays, he shows to have great technique and functional strengthhe can properly set the edge and keep leverage by keeping his outside hand free to make a play. Anderson finished his career with 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss, trailing only Derrick Thomas in school history. Good get-off, quick to react to the snap with good acceleration while taking short, powerful steps to maintain his base. Will Anderson Jr. A ridiculous athlete for the position, Will Anderson Jr. will be a handful. That's not the case with Arkansas' Treylon Burks, a beastly WR who reminds Daniel Jeremiah of Titans star A.J. 6. Will Anderson, Jr. Alabama edge rusher, ranked the No. Will Anderson Jr. with a 4.69u on his first run. On top of all this, Anderson has a degree of bend capacity as well. Teams will sometimes purposely leave him unblocked on runs to the other side, but he has the speed to track ball carriers down. NFL.com analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah takes a "first look" at some of college football's top players for 2022. Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. Seven-round NFL mock draft, Round 1: Building a win-now team from active players for 2022 season, Baker Mayfield, first pick of 2018 NFL Draft, traded: Ranking the top five classes from that year. Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley has churned out NFL quarterbacks, with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray going No. Good on him. The Alabama EDGE can target and negate extensions with precise hands, and he can use brutal swipes to keep himself clean in congestion. NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand, and MORE! Continue with Recommended Cookies. He has a very quick first step which allows him to gain leverage immediately after the snap. He can then use his violent hands to disengage from the block and make a play on the QB. Will Anderson Jr. so fluid on the bags. 2) After dominating collegiate athletes for two seasons, it is possible that Will Anderson Jr. got bored. Having worked with one of Bill Belichick's top scouts, I know the importance the Patriots head coach places on that play. Could Anthony Richardson go number one overall? Both guys have very long arms. The Crimson Tide superstar won the Nagurski Award given to the best defensive player in college football in back-to-back seasons. 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. pic.twitter.com/TbFDfmHZRb. Will Anderson Jr. with a 4.69u on his first run. The Alabama EDGE is very light on his feet and can capitalize on linemen lunging with brisk bursts of lateral movement. 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Ranking top OLBs in this year's draft class Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting report, NFL combine results 1 overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft. His best season came in 2021 -- when he led the nation with 34.5 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks en route to finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting -- but he was dominant throughout his time in Tuscaloosa. He is interested in the NFL, association football, NBA and field hockey but is keen to learn about other sports too. In his 3 seasons with the Crimson Tide, he played in 39 games, starting all of them. Mock Draft Machine Beta Testing Has Begun! Anderson could improve by adding spin counters, hesitation moves, and cross-chops to cross the face of offensive linemen. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'draftdive_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Anderson Jr. is the most polished prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft class. . That was evident even in 2020 when Anderson logged seven sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss as a true freshman. I am also impressed with his ability to fight away an offensive linemans hands. 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. Anderson is very explosive in short ranges. Anderson can also improve his timing and spatial awareness. Ever since his recruitment, he has been hyped up. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 2023 NFL Draft lookahead: Quick notes on Jalen Carter and Will Anderson We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If he were draft-eligible, he would have been the #1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report - Will Anderson When rushing, Anderson has a violent disposition. Will Anderson Jr. As of today, nflmockdraftdatabase has Anderson as the 2nd best prospect in the nation. After bursting onto the scene in Nick Saban's defense as a true freshman in 2020, Will Anderson Jr. cemented himself in the elite class of college football talents in 2021, showing the ability to dominate off the edge against top competition. Will Anderson Jr. EDGE Alabama: Scouting Report There is room for him to expand his pass rush arsenal, but all . For his MaxPreps profile,click here. During the 2021 season, Anderson Jr. was arguably the most polished pass rusher in the nation. He can traverse entire gaps with immediacy, and he has the elite lateral agility to stunt gaps and sustain acceleration while testing angles. Anderson's strength and physicality. This allows him to sack the QB or force them outside of the pocket. He reminds me of: Von Miller. Though he is considered to be an edge-rusher, Anderson participated in drills with the linebackers group rather than the defensive linemen. On pulling plays, Anderson attacks upfield to meet the offensive lineman and delivers a high-impact collision to disrupt the structure of the blocking scheme and it often results in a tackle for loss for Anderson or a teammate. 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 needs to do a better job of getting his eyes inside when unblocked to see pullers coming and shore up his tackling form, but those are two very fixable flaws. Moreover, Anderson is an energetic, amped-up mover for his size, traversing congested areas with effervescent twitch. Sign up to receive all the latest news and annoucements. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When his rush does not get home, he shows the awareness to peel off and get his hands in passing lanes. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting report, prospect ranking However, I was most blown away by his performance on extra-point attempts. It's the adjective that swamps his evaluation when asked about Montana State do-it-all prospect Troy Andersen. Gains ground laterally and vertically with his L-step and can get penetration easily. Voit muokata valintojasi milloin tahansa napsauttamalla tietosuojan hallintapaneelin linkki sivustoissamme ja sovelluksissamme. Surprisingly strong for his size. Written by B/R NFL Draft Scout Matt Holder. Will Anderson Jr. Scouting Report - Draft Dive | 2023 NFL Draft LB Will Anderson Scouting Report. Having said this, Anderson is still a phenomenal prospect who very well could have competed for the EDGE1 mantle in the 2022 NFL Draft. 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. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) Scouting Report - NFL Draft Prospect Grade Get in Touch. But as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect, how does his scouting report stack up? NFL Draft 2023 Scouting Report (v1.0): OLB/EDGE Will Anderson, Alabama A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. It also allows him to get past the tackle before they get to their set point. Anderson is a stud and we still believe in him. 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. Most believe it will be the latter, but nobody can say for sure. Is there anything that Will Anderson Jr. cannot do? For his efforts, Anderson was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2021, 2022), the Lott Trophy (2022). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. His hips sometimes lock up at the apex, and with his high-cut frame, he doesnt have elite bend or sinking capacity. More refinement with his hand usage, however, could help combat this. Is he still the best player in the draft? Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report. Scouting Report by Jonathan Givony. As we head toward the 2022 college football season, the Will Levis hype train is picking up steam. Will Levis 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 (estimate) . Daniel Jeremiah reveals his initial scouting report. Against the run, he easily stacks single blocks and sets the edge. The 21 year old put together one of the most astonishing seasons we have ever seen from a defender during his sophomore year. 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.1: Post-Super Bowl Picks; Shocking Justin Fields It was one of the greatest seasons we have EVER seen. After reviewing the game tape, Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the hyped Alabama offensive tackle. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama | NFL Draft Scouting Report When forcing the QB up in the pocket, he does a good job of cutting back to the inside. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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). OLB | JR | Alabama. Will Anderson: LB, Alabama: 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report 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. In a 2-point stance, he shows amazing initial quickness to run the arc and beat the opposing lineman. The 2021 NFL Draft brought another bushel of hyped wide receivers, but the group lacked one thing: size. Led by T.J. McCreight, The 33rd Team Scouting Department has been hard at work evaluating the top prospects in this . Not only quick, but his reaction time to snaps is phenomenal. Anderson Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. Will Anderson is likely the best player in this draft class and the tape confirms that. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Scouting Report Following three highly successful years at Alabama, Will Anderson Jr. enters the 2023 NFL Draft aged 21. Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr. USA Today Sports. That's part of the reason why hes been considered the top player in this years draft class since last January. 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. 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. NFL Team News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors, Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Overview We have seen what type of impact they can have at the NFL level. Watch the full on-field workout from Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Will Anderson Jr. at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. cnx.cmd.push(function() {
Over the past few seasons, Anderson Jr. has been one of the nation's best pass rushers. Will Anderson Scouting Report : r/NFL_Draft - reddit.com The Alabama EDGE has a strong and compact frame with good length. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-leader-1-0'); As I briefly mentioned earlier, Anderson Jr. has an elite first step off the snap. This often confuses offensive linemen and gives Anderson the competitive edge to shed the block and sack the QB. Will Anderson Jr. is not purely a pass-rusher, although that is what he does best. 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. : LSU (2022), Auburn (2022), Texas (2022), Tennessee (2022), Texas A&M (2022), Georgia CC (2021), Georgia NC (2021), Tradeable picks in the Mock Draft Machine. Will Anderson Jr. | 31. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the Crimson Tide quarterback after studying his game tape. That last drill was the one I felt Will Anderson Jr's power through the television--rushing the curve to his right. DraftDive is a trusted source for draft information and predictions. Will Anderson Scouting Report By Charlie Campbell Strengths: Dangerous edge pass-rusher Tremendous instincts Uses instincts to outsmart blockers Advanced vision Quality get-off Has some pass-rushing moves Excellent pursuit defender Consistent source of pass pressure Coverts speed to power Assignment sound Disruptive The 2023 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 27 to Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. It also allows him to get past the tackle before they get to their set point. Anderson was a standout performer for the Crimson Tide during his three seasons, establishing himself among the long line of great defensive linemen to play under legendary head coach Nick Saban. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. He has enough ankle flexion to pinch tight angles around blockers when stunting. Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks. But on the field, Anderson is just as imposing. . Although he is a polished pass rusher, he is also effective against the run. 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. He is a strong power pass-rusher and excellent against the run. Anderson has long arms and he keeps opponents away from his chest. 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. 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. March 2, 2023, 9:25 PM. If he were 65 and 265 pounds, perhaps hed meet that threshold. Heres a comprehensive look at all those factors. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. Vikings updates from DL/LB interviews at NFL Scouting Combine February 7, 2023 Jack Brentnall NFL Draft, Scouting Reports. Could afford to add weight to maintain his physical playing style in the NFL. }).render("bb96ad3fa3274bd9b3b8932a057f1f33");
And within that frame, he has high-end athletic traits. His 83.6 PFF grade tells the story. 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. 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. Will Anderson Jr.'s measurements/results from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will be added once they become available. The former Alabama linebacker recorded a strong unofficial time of 4.69 seconds at 253 pounds. Will Anderson Jr. Game by Game Stats and Performance | ESPN @AlabamaFTBL

: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/9fc737PfB2. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Will Anderson: Scouting Report. Everything You Need To Know Had he been in the 2022 NFL Draft, he likely would have gone first overall. 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. He's coming off a 2022 campaign in which he won the Bednarik Award as well as the Lombardi Award. Here's how he fared from an advanced analytics perspective, with. 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;}. Best player in college football and still decides to compete today (when he could of sat and done nothing). Finally, in his final season with Alabama, he had 24 solo tackles, 10 sacks, 1 interception, and a pass deflection. Anderson is an awesome physical talent, but the other elements of his game are almost more impressive. 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.2: Colts Move To No. 1, Four QBs In Top 10 Anderson burst onto the scene in 2020. When his alignment is loose on the edge, he uses that runway to devastate offensive tackles with speed-to-power rushes. 7:23 pm ET, NFL combine 2023: Winners and losers from DB workouts, WR Jordan Addison tells Steelers to 'come get me', TCU's Johnston hopeful to surprise at NFL combine, Cunningham on USFL talk: I'm not playing in that, NFL Draft 2023: Former NFL GM on pro comps for WR, TE, Levis wants to show off his 'cannon' at NFL combine, Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft profile, scouting report, Picks for Saturday's top college basketball games, Ex-Patriots star McGinest facing 8 years in prison, Celtics booed off floor after blowing 28-point lead to Nets, LSU responds after Dunne promotes AI homework tool, Big 12 contacts four Pac-12 schools on potential move, NFL combine 2023 results tracker: Top performances, First-step quickness and bend around the edge flashes play after play, Surprising power and the ability to win consistently with hands on his way to the QB, Comparable to Von Miller in size and twitch; both are around 6-3, 245, which is undersized by NFL edge rusher standards, but they play much bigger than that, Made some business decisions in 2022, though it's hard to blame him -- he still played through Alabama's bowl game, Can sometimes whiff on arm tackles in space- Sometimes there doesn't have to be something wrong with a player -- with Anderson it feels like you're searching for issues that don't really exist, Career: Two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner -- only second player to do so in award's history, Career: Two-time Unanimous first-team All-American, Career: Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, 2020: National Freshman of the Year (Football Writers Association of America), 2020: Freshman All-America (FWAA, 247Sports and The Athletic), 2020: Second-team All-SEC (Associated Press), Career: Second in program history in tackles for loss (62) and sacks (34.5) -- trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas in both categories, 2021: Led FBS with 34.5 tackles for loss (second in school history), 2021: Led FBS with 17.5 sacks (third in school history), 2021: Five-time SEC Defensive Player of the Week. While Anderson led the nation with 17.5 sacks in 2021, he's probably an even better run defender. No rookie is cant-miss but Anderson is very close. He has been elite for Alabama since he first stepped foot on the field. In a similar vein, his hands can be somewhat lax on occasion. 17 nationally, No. A talent with All-America honors on both sides of the football, he's a one-of-one in this year's draft class. Will Anderson Jr. scouting report Anderson has elite production, to the level where him failing almost seems impossible. Tietosuojakytnnstmme ja evstekytnnstmme voit lukea lis siit, miten kytmme henkiltietojasi. Scouting Report- January 6 | 2023 NFL Draft By Ryan Broyles Modified 07 Jan 2023 Follow Us Share Is Will Anderson Jr. the top. By his sophomore season, Anderson had become the leader of the Crimson Tide defense. Will Levis Scouting Report - Draft Dive | 2023 NFL Draft QB He checks every box. Not a necessity to become an elite edge rusher but its nice to have as many tools in the tool box as possible.