Big Board ranking: #2
Positional ranking: #1
Overview
Position: EDGE
College: Alabama
Class: Junior
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’3 1/2”
Weight: 253 lbs.
Arm length: 33 7/8″
Hand size: 9 7/8″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: 4.60 sec.
10-yard split: 1.61 sec.
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: N/A
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Prototype overall size/build. Excellent blend of power and quickness. Very strong in general. Extremely light and athletic on his feet. Terrific initial burst with a lightning-quick first step. Hands are quick and powerful. Able to blow up plays based on his get-off ability at the snap. Great acceleration. Outstanding instincts and play recognition. Impressive combination of speed and bend at his size. Very technically sound. Power rushes accurately attack the chest of blockers to generate push. Creates leverage with hand placement and lower-body strength. Physical taking on running backs that try to chip. Exceptional diagnosing and reacting at the point of attack. Stays patient and doesn’t get fooled by play-action. Decisive attacking the ball. Quick to disengage from blocks. Textbook tackler when he stays on his feet. Very strong setting the edge and making the play. Tremendous reaction time and pursuit. Tracks as the backside defender without over pursuing. Creates penetration in short-yardage situations. Excellent balance and doesn’t get knocked down by double teams or chips. Noticeable awareness in coverage. Will see a screen pass and try to make a play on it. Moves very well when dropping in zone coverage. Plenty of experience on both sides of the formation. Has experience shading inside. Scheme versatile with comfort as 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end.
Weaknesses
Can develop more of a repertoire as a pass rusher to dominate at the next level. Would like to see him keep his feet more often rather than lunging for a tackle. Sometimes washed out too easily when crashing inside. Too lackadaisical getting to the action when away from the ball at times.
NFL comparison
Khalil Mack
Conclusion
Overall, Anderson Jr. is an instinctive, athletic edge defender with an extremely high ceiling both as a pass rusher and run defender. At his best, he has game-wrecking potential with the ability to live in the backfield.