Scouting Report - Draft Dive | 2023 NFL Draft LB Spotlight Will Anderson Jr. The NFL Draft and NFL Draft Logo are copyright of the National Football League and in no way are owned by Ourlads Scouting Services LLC. 1 overall in consecutive drafts and Jalen Hurts selected in the second round last year. I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. Ht: 6036 | Wt: 243 | Upd: 02/15/2023. Will Levis 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 (estimate) . Anderson definitely deserved all that in 2021. Birthdate: 9/2/2001if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_9',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',144,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-nfldraftdiamonds_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-2-multi-144{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:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. In a 2-point stance, he shows amazing initial quickness to run the arc and beat the opposing lineman. Finally, Anderson is a very reliable tackler in the pursuit phase. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Will Anderson Jr. Scouting Will Anderson Jr.: What to know about Alabama edge ahead of According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Anderson Jr. is a consensus top 5 pick. In his collegiate career, the Hampton, Georgia, native racked up 204 tackles, 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks, as well as an eye-popping 206 quarterback pressures. As a pass rusher, he has a dynamic first step. 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. 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. Versatility. 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. Will Anderson Jr. with a 4.69u on his first run. 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. Many view him as the best player in the draft that is not a quarterback. He is a strong power pass-rusher and excellent against the run. 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. Likes to lunge and leave his feet to make tackles, leading to a high rate of missed tackles. As a pass-rusher, Anderson is impressive with his inside countermoves. Will Anderson: Scouting Report. Everything You Need To Know Watch Will Anderson fly through his first 40-yard dash attempt Anderson (scouting report) will put pressure on the NFC West quarterbacks for several years. He is easily amongst the best players in this class as he projects to develop into an elite edge rusher in the NFL. In his career for Alabama, Anderson has recorded 24.5 sacks in just 3 seasons. Daniel Jeremiah scouts the Oregon star and provides an eye-opening player comp. 2) After dominating collegiate athletes for two seasons, it is possible that Will Anderson Jr. got bored. We don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but there aren't many weaknesses in Will Anderson's game. It was one of the greatest seasons we have EVER seen. He held his own when Alabama asked him to do the latter, which suggests he can be asked to zone-drop in the NFL as a change of pace. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images. Most believe it will be the latter, but nobody can say for sure. I love it when we get to see big non-conference matchups. Weight: 243 pounds Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $200 If Your Bet Wins, Be the first one to comment on this story. 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.. Always has a plan and is very decisive with his movements . Also uses his hands well to get clean wins that lead to sacks. With all that said, Anderson is a high-floor prospect. The former Alabama linebacker recorded a strong unofficial time of 4.69 seconds at 253 pounds. Will Anderson Jr. 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. The 2023 NFL Draft will run from April 27 to 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. 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. A five-star prospect out of Dutchtown High School in Georgia, Anderson immediately became a force along Alabama's defensive line. They can also track down the ball carrier and make a tackle. No rookie is cant-miss but Anderson is very close. Might struggle to get extension versus NFL offensive tackles. After being this productive for one of the best college football programs, it is safe to say he is an elite talent. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting report, prospect ranking 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/draft/free/stories, at He consistently seeks to replace hands and re-exert power when anchored and can accomplish this with his torque and explosion. 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). Much like how he profiles as a run defender, Anderson also wins in the same ways as a pass rusher. 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 has a brutal forklift move and can also win with rips, swims, swipes, and cross-chops. During the 2021 season, Anderson Jr. was arguably the most polished pass rusher in the nation. When his rush does not get home, he shows the awareness to peel off and get his hands in passing lanes. He took over the starting JACK linebacker position from Day 1 of the 2020 season and. As a run defender, Anderson has a unique style in that he attacks the offenses blocking scheme. More refinement with his hand usage, however, could help combat this. 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. He is the number one overall prospect (on average) according to ESPNs top-four pundits. 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. Anderson was a four-star recruit at defensive end coming out of the state of Georgia in high school. He can be more consistent stacking counters, as his rushes sometimes die after initial moves. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, University of Alabama by Evan Bachman January 21, 2023 Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. is a blue chip prospect in the 2023 NFL draft. This page is intended to provide links to Ourlads' Draft . In 2022, Anderson played in 13 games, amassing 51 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and one touchdown. I am also impressed with his ability to fight away an offensive linemans hands. He consistently wraps up and has the strength to make solo tackles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Special! There is big-time buzz about Ohio State's C.J. 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. 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. Although he is a polished pass rusher, he is also effective against the run. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report - Draft Network Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. returns in 2022 as one of the prevailing dominant forces in all of college football. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. Will Anderson Jr. (31) LB - 2022 Finished his three years at UA ranked second on Alabama's career sacks list with 34.5 (-201 yards), trailing only Derrick Thomas But it's important to make no prospect untouchable. Curtis Leung is a UK-based writer covering the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens for LWOS since 2022. 2021 statistics (15 games played): 102 tackles (58 solo), 34.5 for loss (17.5 sacks), three passes defensed. He can also take off toward the inside of the line to perform stunts and knock the interior offensive lineman off balance. Not only does Anderson hit with force, but he can also generate excellent upper-body torque and use it to violently wrench down blocks when latched. After high school, Anderson Jr. joined Alabama after being heavily recruited. I asked a source at Alabama about his character and he told me, "That's the best thing about him." He reads the run very well, showing he can disengage in a timely manner and erase lanes. It's the job of a scout to not get caught up in the excitement and go to the film for a true evaluation of a player. Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama) Scouting Report - NFL Draft Prospect Grade By his sophomore season, Anderson had become the leader of the Crimson Tide defense. 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. That's the player you'll get when you draft Will Anderson Jr. Anderson's official time was later revealed to be 4.60. Powerful for his size as a bull-rusher to put offensive tackles on skates.