Ryan Anderson
6'2
258
A squat, powerful player, Anderson displays better than anticipated explosion moving in all directions. While he’s never had top tier production as a pass rusher, he has a complete game as a linebacker and could easily step into a 43 or 34 scheme at SAM or MIKE, while also offering enough pass rushing skills to break into the DE rotation. He played on a tremendous college defense, and some hold the surrounding talent against him, but he’s a heady, athletic player who can impact the game in multiple ways. Some have labelled him “maxed out,” but he still has room to grow from both a technique standpoint, and also as an athlete and a mover.
The biggest problem he shows is a consistent tendency to take short, choppy steps in pursuit and when changing direction, instead of cleaning planting his foot, dropping his hips, and exploding back the other way. He needs to develop more economy of movement, but this can be taught and developed with discipline. He has the natural speed and agility to become a more graceful, efficient mover.
If he learns to incorporate a long arm technique to his pass rush while taking a more direct route to the quarterback (something Khalil Mack does exceptionally well, which is why he is so successful despite relatively small stature), then he could become a true edge threat. Until then, I see him more as a well-rounded linebacker who offers versatility and some starter-level traits right out of the gate, with growth potential.
If he ends up as Hightower’s replacement, I expect the run defense to take a step back in 2017, but then to be back up to par in 2018. Overall, if he's there in the 3rd round, I'd be very happy to bring him on board.
EDIT: Well, Hightower is back. I'd still be fine with bringing in Anderson, who I think is an ideal Nink backup and could replace him down the line. He's just the definition of a relentless, hustle player. Fun to watch him go get the ball.
+ Experience in a read/react scheme
+ Comfortable dropping into the flat / short zones
+ Productive year for takeaways (4 forced fumbles + interception)
+ More successful bull rusher than his size would indicate
+ Terrific power in his hands to shed blockers
+ Sudden inside counter off his speed rush
+ Good timing as an A-gap blitzer
+ Sets a hard edge and holds ground against the run
+ Production improved each year
+ Plus instincts against the screen; will break off rush to chip back
+ Strong, sure tackler
+ Lines up right, left, and center; experience at each LB position as well as DE
+ Used occasionally as a spy and keeps the play well contained
+ Relentless working through multiple blockers; unafraid to stack and shed
- Can be ridden past the play; doesn’t always bend the edge well
- Not a premiere sack master — may never become a primary threat on D
- Tends to chop his feet and take too many unnecessary steps
- Needs to learn to plant and go when changing directions
- Zone coverage is much better than man to man at this point in his career
- Doesn’t always harness natural athleticism
- Seems to decide on an upfield rush prior to reading play too often
- Can be beat to the outside by speed backs
- Despite decent athleticism, sometimes takes odd angles and false steps that slow him down
- In man coverage, needs to be aware of down & distance; gets lost at the stem of the route too often due to fear of being beaten over the top, and allows easy separation on in-breaking routes
Against an option look, Anderson does a great job attacking the mesh point. He’s decisive to get upfield and set up a potential tackle for a loss, but still watches the quarterback instead of blindly committing to the running back tackle. He’s able to redirect and participate in a tackle for minimum gain.
Not terribly worried about Anderson’s short arms. He has great handwork and does an excellent job of setting up the tackle on this sack. Quick, violent hands allow him to disengage and make a beeline for the quarterback. Compare him with Daeshon Hall, whose arms are over 35 inches long, but who often gets stuck on blocks because he doesn’t extend or handfight well, thus negating his reach advantage.
Don’t try to block him in the run game with a TE. It won’t work. Excellent job setting the edge and shedding the block to make the tackle.
It’s not all good news. Anderson’s lack of length and proclivity for taking too many needless steps hurts him in this rush. Instead of dipping under the tackle or cutting back inside, he gets pushed out of the play and driven into the ground. It’s just one rep, but it does highlight some of his deficiencies at the next level.
Great anticipation of the dumpoff to the running back. Look how quickly he breaks off his rush and gets out to the flat. Good hands to come down with the interception, nice balance through contact to keep his feet, and a nose for the endzone. Love the playmaking potential.
Bonus: he crushes the hopes and dreams of opposing fans. I laughed when I saw the Washington fan shaking her head, so I figured I'd leave it in the gif.
