National Football League

2017 NFL Draft: Alabama Ryan Anderson Scouting Report

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:34 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jon Dove/FanSided via With the First Pick

Alabama’s Ryan Anderson is an extremely talented linebacker who often gets overshadowed by the other players on the Crimson Tide’s defense.

Ryan Anderson is a stoutly built linebacker prospect who plays a physical brand of football. Alabama asks him to mainly lineup at the defensive end position and rush the passer. He has proven effective in this role, but will need to move off the line in the NFL.

Anderson has the strength and thickness to hold up at the line of scrimmage, but he lacks ideal length and overall size. He’s better suited to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Here he’d be able to set the edge against the run and rush the passer.

As a pass rusher, Anderson uses his quick hands and solid burst to generate pressure. He features the balance needed to both flatten out around the edge and employ an inside countermove. His low center of gravity gives him leverage which he uses to get inside the blockers frame.

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Anderson is a relentless pass rusher who will work to the whistle. While he has a quick initial burst, he’s doesn’t have that elite explosiveness most evaluators look for in an edge rusher.

This isn’t a major problem for Anderson because he’s a well rounded player who doesn’t rely on his pass rushing skills to make an impact. Anderson is someone who loves to battle in the trenches and works to stuff the run. He’s also a tone setter in that he routinely delivers big hits.

Alabama asks him to drop into coverage from time to time. However, he needs to improve his footwork and play with better balance. Anderson is a good enough athlete to improve his coverage skills, but it will take more experience and coaching.

Overall, this is a prospect capable of stepping in and contributing from day one. He’ll provide pressure off the edge, deliver big hits and play the run with integrity.

Current Draft Range: 2nd Round