Will Anderson

Pos: EDGE

School: Alabama

Ht. 6’3″ 

Wt. 253

Games Watched: LSU, Tennessee, Texas

One Liner: Powerful edge rusher that wins with burst, football IQ, and a refined rush arsenal.

Strengths: 

  • Elite burst. Anderson fires off the line of scrimmage with an explosive get off. His first step is a sharp, quick motion, indicative of a high level of read and react ability. With his snap timing, Anderson jolts into the POA and is ready for a pass rush battle.
  • Elite rush arsenal. Anderson has a deep tool bag, and uses a plethora of rush moves consistently with nuance and proper technique. He wastes little to no steps when running the arc and displays a good feel for how to gain positioning and leverage in order to utilize one of his many moves. This is a rare trait to possess at such a high level for a college EDGE rusher. 
  • Very good technique. Anderson has quality footwork and leg drive, with good hand timing and placement through his punches. Anderson can torque and has a knowledgable understanding of timing to out-leverage blockers at the POA.
  • Very good football IQ. Anderson has really good play recognition which shows up against the run when he is in great position ahead of time against gap blocking schemes, regardless of which gap he starts the play in. Anderson is quick to identify run types and reacts well with his burst and explosiveness.
  • Very good strength. Anderson generates some solid strength and power while running the arc and attempting to out position offensive lineman. He has demonstrated the ability to torque and tug+pull to counteract poor positioning against lineman and can cause problems for pass blockers with quality strength.

Weaknesses:

  • Adequate fluidity. Anderson just plays a little stiff overall. He isn’t a fluid athlete and his movements are always swift, seeming a little choppy, even when engaged at the POA. His athleticism lacks high level short area quickness, but this can be overcome at the next level with his technique and small nuances to further elevate his game.

Overall Assessment: Anderson is a top 3 prospect in this year’s draft, and is way ahead in his learning progression compared to most pass rushers coming out of college. Anderson has great technique, though some minor details to tweak, and has the explosiveness and strength needed to be a successful 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level. His burst projects him well as a wide 9 technique as well for an even front team, but Anderson’s high character and technical nuance makes him an extremely high floor, safe prospect in the top 5.

Scheme Fit: Odd front outside linebacker/wide 9 technique on sub packages

Pick Projection: Top 5

Grade: 7.03