Best part of Will Anderson's workout today was how fluid he looked dropping into coverage and redirecting. Daniel Jeremiah scouts the Flames' star and sees shades of three different NFL signal-callers in his game, including the Eagles' Jalen Hurts. 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. 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. Will Anderson Jr. is the premier pass-rusher we have yearned for in recent years. In 2022, Anderson played in 13 games, amassing 51 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and one touchdown. He's coming off a 2022 campaign in which he won the Bednarik Award as well as the Lombardi Award. The power from his lower trunk/ upper legs is undeniable. 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. Both of these players are explosive off the snap and play with a very high motor. Has no issues shedding blocks with his hand placement and strength, and has the agility to cross the face of the offensive lineman hes engaged with to make tackles in the adjacent gap. He consistently wraps up and has the strength to make solo tackles. With that being said, hes shown flashes with the hand-swipe and arm-over moves mentioned above. This often confuses offensive linemen and gives Anderson the competitive edge to shed the block and sack the QB. });
, if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_34',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this ad. 2021: 873 snaps in 15 games- tied for first amongst EDs in FBS. Manage Settings 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. It tells you everything about the competitiveness of a player. Will Anderson Jr. C.J. Moreover, he can sustain leg drive on power rushes and drive generated power forward. Recognizes and anticipates chip blocks well, which allows him to take them on and avoid getting caught off guard or put on the ground. That's part of the reason why hes been considered the top player in this years draft class since last January. The agility of Will Anderson on full display in these positional drills.
Not only is he quick off the snap, but he's a smooth operator in space. Between Anderson and Jalen Carter, draft evaluators have a split between who is 1a and who is 1b. 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. 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. Will Anderson Scouting Report. Statistically, Anderson matches Thibodeaux in just 20 games: 110 tackles, 29.5 for loss and 18 sacks. Kun kytt sivustojamme ja sovelluksiamme, kytmme, tarjotaksemme sivustomme ja sovelluksemme sinulle, todentaaksemme kyttjt, estksemme roskapostia ja vrinkytksi sek toteuttaaksemme tietoturvatoimia. 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. He has a brutal forklift move and can also win with rips, swims, swipes, and cross-chops. But, evidently, potentially not being generational fails to amount to any real criticism of Anderson: he is essentially as flawless a draft prospect as they come at a valuable position. mitataksemme sivustojemme ja sovellustemme kyttsi. In a 2-point stance, he shows amazing initial quickness to run the arc and beat the opposing lineman. 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 could improve by adding spin counters, hesitation moves, and cross-chops to cross the face of offensive linemen. 1 EDGE|Overall: No. NFL Draft Scouting Reports: The Definitive Will Anderson Jr. 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. Copyright 2022 NFL Draft Diamonds. His 83.6 PFF grade tells the story. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=67822575-a4f4-4fe4-9ca3-7a0abddbdd6f&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "67822575-a4f4-4fe4-9ca3-7a0abddbdd6f" }).render("3041736b0f044fda91b1005ee0ab4330"); }); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-box-1','ezslot_4',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-box-1-0');report this ad,
2) After dominating collegiate athletes for two seasons, it is possible that Will Anderson Jr. got bored. Will Anderson Jr. Will Matt Corral follow a Zach Wilson-like trajectory to the next level? 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The only question is whether Will Anderson Jr. be the #1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. I'm confident he could excel playing off the ball if called upon to do that at the next level. Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Can Spencer Rattler reach the heights of his OU predecessors? Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) Scouting Report - NFL Draft Prospect Grade - 2023 NFL DRAFT TOP PICK? Daniel Jeremiah scouts the Oregon star and provides an eye-opening player comp. . 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.. He is easily amongst the best players in this class as he projects to develop into an elite edge rusher in the NFL. 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;}. Beyond Andersons physical traits, he brings immediate high-level utility both as a pass rusher and a run defender. Will Anderson Jr.'s measurements/results from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will be added once they become available. That last drill was the one I felt Will Anderson Jr's power through the television--rushing the curve to his right. Where does Anderson win, where can he improve, and where might he be limited? Here's a comprehensive look at all those factors. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. Will Anderson just performed his first 40-yard dash attempt at the NFL Scouting Combine. When rushing, Anderson has a violent disposition. Hed fit best as a stand-up outside linebacker in a scheme that uses a lot of odd fronts and occasionally has edge-rushers drop into coverage. Entering his junior season, the hype surrounding Anderson is through the roof, as you might expect for such a highly decorated performer returning to one of CFB's powerhouse programs. All Rights Reserved. OLB | JR | Alabama. He is an athletic, explosive disruptor who has exceedingly rare talents. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Right now, offensive linemen take an inside leverage approach to Anderson and force him to play through their frame. With that frame, the Alabama EDGE has elite explosiveness, top-notch lateral agility, great artificial power capacity and play strength, and good bend. Latest on Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. including complete game-by-game stats on ESPN And within that frame, he has high-end athletic traits. Will Anderson Jr. has been one of the most productive EDGE rushers in the nation since he arrived in Tuscaloosa. In his impressive 2021 season, Anderson secured 101 tackles, 31 for loss and a whopping 17.5 sacks in 15 games. I can't wait to watch him play: at Texas on Sept. 10. 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. Over the past few seasons, Anderson Jr. has been one of the nation's best pass rushers. He was also the best weakside defensive end in the nation. 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. We have seen what type of impact they can have at the NFL level. The Alabama EDGE is very light on his feet and can capitalize on linemen lunging with brisk bursts of lateral movement. : 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. Having said this, Anderson is still a phenomenal prospect who very well could have competed for the EDGE1 mantle in the 2022 NFL Draft. And when you factor in his burst, agility, strength, and other qualities, that makes him more exciting. Anderson Jr. returned for a junior season that wasn't quite as dominant but impressive nonetheless. Will Anderson Scouting Report: The Next Great EDGE Rusher in the NFL??? 2022 NFL season: Which fan base most deserves a Super Bowl title. 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. He decided to commit to the Crimson Tide . Wasnt routinely locking out tackles in college, more just getting them off his frame with enough room to shed the block. 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. Scouting Report February 24, 2023 . Will Anderson Jr. has the complete skill set to thrive off the edge. The Detroit Lions defense gets faster and more athletic with the top corner in the draft. From his movement skills to how effortlessly he took on blocks, it almost looked like he was getting bored out there. NFL Team News, Analysis, History, Schedule, Rumors, Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Overview 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. 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. Andersons entire game is tied together by his relentless, unending motor. More refinement with his hand usage, however, could help combat this. 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. . Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks. His pass rush ability is unlike anybody else in the nation due to his ability to effortlessly get into the backfield. He's the best player in the country and I think this could be an early statement about his candidacy for the Heisman Trophy, an award that hasn't been won by a primarily defensive player since 1997. Special! That was evident even in 2020 when Anderson logged seven sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss as a true freshman. However, there is no denying that both players are blue-chip prospects. But at 64, 243 pounds, he projects more as a stand-up edge rusher with relatively little inside-outside versatility. , Now we're talking, baby. I'm blown away that he's even working out when so many top players don't. Anderson's strength and physicality. He has enough ankle flexion to pinch tight angles around blockers when stunting. 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+). Relentless as a pass rusher and in run game. 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. Big selling point to his game as he can play at a high level across a lot of snaps. The latter is more that he just lacks the elite bend that one might expect from a potential No. Everything you need to know about Alabama EDGE and 2023 NFL Draft prospect Will Anderson Jr. Anderson has great contact balance on running plays, very rarely losing his center of gravity even when taking on two blockers. They are devastating on the backside versus the run and they play with excellent effort. Takes on blocks with low pad level and quick, accurate hands on the offensive linemans chest to gain leverage. 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. Login. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The belief is Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. could be that guy. He can also take off toward the inside of the line to perform stunts and knock the interior offensive lineman off balance. The best way to describe Will Anderson Jr.'s college tape is that everything just looked easy for him. All Rights Reserved. Please take a look and let us know what you think. Alabama ran him on a ton of stunts up front, with him exploding around the corner, attacking the opposition's QB. This combined with excellent instincts leads to him putting himself in very good positions to make plays in the run game. Has shown solid hand-swipe and arm-over moves to win on the outside that he can develop in the pros. 1 overall pass-rusher. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. Watch the full on-field workout from Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Will Anderson Jr. at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. 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. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. 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.