Doesn't have a go-to outside move that he consistently wins with, and lacks top-tier bend to turn a tight corner at the top of outside rushes. He just might be a little more effective as a stand-up outside 'backer. 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. Moreover, Anderson is an energetic, amped-up mover for his size, traversing congested areas with effervescent twitch. 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 Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. 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 generates excellent burst on his first step and accelerates instantly when keying on plays. Anderson's strengths They are devastating on the backside versus the run and they play with excellent effort. Curtis Leung is a UK-based writer covering the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens for LWOS since 2022. His ceiling is, however, slightly limited by his smaller size and lack of generational athleticism. High school:Dutchtown (Hampton, Georgia)Class:2020Composite Rating: (0.9913), High school accolades:"Super 11" team and first-team All-State (Atlanta Journal-Constitution), All-American Bowl selection. Here we have Alabama Crimson Tide Edge Rusher Will Anderson, who could be a Super Star in the making! Looking at the details of Andersons skill set, there is an area for improvement for him as a pass rusher. In what should be no surprise to anyone, Anderson Jr. had a plethora of Division I offers while at Dutchtown. 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. The NFL Scouting Combine kicked off yesterday with the defensive lineman and linebackers kicking Anthony Richardson the gunslinger from Florida is one of the most interesting prospects in Bryce Youngs biggest knock is his height and weight. Lastly, Anderson sometimes sacrifices leverage trying to stonewall blockers with sheer momentum, using his frame as a projectile. 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. They can also track down the ball carrier and make a tackle. 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. Mock Draft Machine Beta Testing Has Begun! He has experience playing all over the defensive line including the 7-technique, 5-technique, 4-technique, and even inside in a 3 technique. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. , Now we're talking, baby. 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. For his efforts, Anderson was awarded the Chuck Bednarik Award (2022), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2021, 2022), the Lott Trophy (2022). He is the best pass rusher in the nation because he can effortlessly bend the edge and put pressure on the QB. 1 |Rating:94.40 (All-Pro). Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images. With his talent and absurd production he projects very well to the NFL, so lets break down why that is the case.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-banner-1','ezslot_0',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-banner-1-0'); This scouting report is also available in a video format here. With that being said, hes shown flashes with the hand-swipe and arm-over moves mentioned above. 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.. Could afford to add weight to maintain his physical playing style in the NFL. Check out the full scouting report. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we'll breakdown what makes Will Anderson Jr such a coveted prospect. The atmosphere will be electric and I'm expecting Anderson to more than meet the moment. Physical at the point of attack with plenty of strength to set the edge against offensive tackles versus outside zone. I love it when we get to see big non-conference matchups. Beyond Andersons physical traits, he brings immediate high-level utility both as a pass rusher and a run defender. Continue with Recommended Cookies. He can sustain acceleration while flexing his lower body and leaning into direction changes, making for dangerous closing speed in tight space. 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. Makes up for the lack of size and raw power with perfect use of leverage and length. 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. It tells you everything about the competitiveness of a player. 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. 2023 NFL Draft: Will Anderson Jr. When he is put in a position to take a traditional pass-rush track on the outside edge of the tackle, he has an explosive first step and his functional strength shows when he can convert speed to power to get to the quarterback. Has never given up on a play and will never give up on a play. 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. NFL Mock Drafts: 2022 NFL Mock Draft 2023 NFL Mock Draft NFL Mock Draft Database Also, check out our: Fantasy Football Rankings According to 247sports, Anderson was the best prospect coming out of the state of Georgia in the 2020 recruiting class. 17 nationally, No. 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). A talent with All-America honors on both sides of the football, he's a one-of-one in this year's draft class. . He can be more consistent stacking counters, as his rushes sometimes die after initial moves. The 2023 NFL Draft will run from April 27 to 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. Will Anderson out here moving better than all of the actual linebackers after the NFL put him in this group is objectively hilarious. There is room for him to expand his pass rush arsenal, but all . As of today, nflmockdraftdatabase has Anderson as the 2nd best prospect in the nation. 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 EDGE Will Anderson Jr. returns in 2022 as one of the prevailing dominant forces in all of college football. 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. His 83.6 PFF grade tells the story. Anderson brings good length at his size, with arms that will likely measure over 33. Pro Football Focus: DT Jalen. Versatility. Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley has churned out NFL quarterbacks, with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray going No. 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. Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $200 If Your Bet Wins, Be the first one to comment on this story. 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. Always has a plan and is very decisive with his movements . Player Bio No prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft encapsulates the definition of hometown We break down the chances that Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson is the number one Vic Tafur of The Athletic does not believe the Las Vegas Raiders and new What is going on at the University of Georgia? The Alabama EDGE has a strong and compact frame with good length. Following three highly successful years at Alabama, Will Anderson Jr. enters the 2023 NFL Draft aged 21. Anderson is in a strong class of edge rushers, but he tops the list. Login. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Is Kayvon Thibodeaux the NFL's next dominant edge defender? At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds its hard to see him winning consistently with a bull rush against NFL tackles. Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report, supplying a striking NFL comparison in the process. Stroud Jalen Carter Bryce Young NFL.com analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah takes a "first look" at some of college football's top players for 2022. Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. What I liked: I'm tempted to say everything. edge Will Anderson's official 40 time: 4.60.
Blazin'
The potential top position player on the board. Anderson has been hailed by many as the best prospect in this draft class, and he's someone who's a disruptive pass . Will Anderson Jr. is a twitchy athlete off the edge, exploding with agility that many offensive linemen cannot handle. Not a necessity to become an elite edge rusher but its nice to have as many tools in the tool box as possible. He can win on stunts with his physical traits or in 1-on-1 battles with various hand moves and combos. Main Photo: Gary Cosby Jr. USA Today Sports. He had 57 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, and 2 pass deflections. Andersons entire game is tied together by his relentless, unending motor. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. playerId: "67822575-a4f4-4fe4-9ca3-7a0abddbdd6f"
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 . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Scouting Report by Jonathan Givony. But Andersons size is a notable hindrance in that pursuit. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. . March 2, 2023, 9:25 PM. Will Anderson Jr.'s measurements/results from the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine will be added once they become available. Will Anderson Jr. is a direct replica of Von Miller. Hes extremely active on the backside, and he can engulf runners with his brisk closing speed and wingspan. Will Anderson Jr. is a menace off the edges. Anderson Jr. is also good at effectively running the arc. Will Anderson Jr. has the complete skill set to thrive off the edge. I soak in Dr Teal's Epsom Salts to help speed up my recovery time & recharge my sore muscles all season. This year's draft clearly goes through Chicago, and in this mock, the Indianapolis Colts fresh off their hiring of coach Shane Steichen make a blockbuster trade with the Bears to land their future franchise quarterback. His strong hands allow him to control reps, and he brings visible knock-back power at the point of attack. Anderson weighed in at 253 pounds, 10 more than his listed playing weight with the Crimson Tide: . OLB | JR | Alabama. Best part of Will Anderson's workout today was how fluid he looked dropping into coverage and redirecting. 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. After giving up a touchdown, you often see defensive players give marginal effort on extra-point tries. He can then use his violent hands to disengage from the block and make a play on the QB. The former Alabama linebacker recorded a strong unofficial time of 4.69 seconds at 253 pounds. 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 USFL Draft 2023 Standouts February 21, 2023 . He is good at clogging lanes at the line, not allowing the running back to gain positive yardage. One analyst Daniel Kelly even called him lazy. Although he is a polished pass rusher, he is also effective against the run. Anderson is extremely proficient at recollecting his feet after impact and maintaining balance amidst adversity. kehittksemme ja parantaaksemme palveluitamme sek tuotteitamme. Not only quick, but his reaction time to snaps is phenomenal. This is a player that could become the bedrock of a defense for years to come. In fact, Andersons motor might be his best trait. After high school, Anderson Jr. joined Alabama after being heavily recruited. Here's a look at the Crimson Tide star. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Draft Network. He also does not have a very powerful punch that forces the offensive lineman to drop the anchor. The 2023 NFL Combine will be held from Thursday, March 2 to Sunday, March 5. 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. It was an excellent final season with the Crimson Tide. February 7, 2023 Jack Brentnall NFL Draft, Scouting Reports. And within that frame, he has high-end athletic traits. Scouting report "Anderson has little weakness. On top of all this, Anderson has a degree of bend capacity as well. 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. Some notable players he was ranked above include Myles Murphy, Broderick Jones, Brian Branch, and Jahmyr Gibbs. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. He has a very quick first step which allows him to gain leverage immediately after the snap. The fact of the matter is that Anderson is probably one of the top two players in this draft class. Recognizes blocking schemes well to put himself in a good position to take on blocksi.e., working wide versus reaches or shooting his hands to play the cut. I asked a source at Alabama about his character and he told me, "That's the best thing about him." With that frame, the Alabama EDGE has elite explosiveness, top-notch lateral agility, great artificial power capacity and play strength, and good bend. Georgia just had five defensive players taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but is the best NFL prospect of all still in Athens? Stroud To Be the No. His versatility makes him a prospect any team would want. NFL Draft evaluators have been aware of his talent ever since he first stepped foot on a college football field. However, Andersons production and tape really speaks for itself. Had he been in the 2022 NFL Draft, he likely would have gone first overall. Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 243 pounds (school measurements). A five-star from outside Atlanta, Will Anderson Jr. has been as good as -- and maybe better than -- advertised since arriving in Tuscaloosa. If a tackle doesnt get out of his stance quickly hes getting beat around the edge. Effort rusher who will get coverage sacks. 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. Will Anderson Jr. runs official 4.60-second 40-yard dash at 2023 combine Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Will Anderson Jr. runs the 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. 1 overall pass-rusher. From his movement skills to how effortlessly he took on blocks, it almost looked like he was getting bored out there. Height: 6'4. The Detroit Lions defense gets faster and more athletic with the top corner in the draft. Helps him a lot in pursuit. The outside linebackers will join defensive linemen . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 1 Pick. Where does Anderson win, where can he improve, and where might he be limited? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'draftdive_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-draftdive_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Over the past few seasons, Anderson Jr. has been one of the nations best pass rushers. This is the second entry in a series of scouting reports that will run throughout July. After reviewing the game tape, Daniel Jeremiah provides his initial scouting report on the hyped Alabama offensive tackle.