Will Anderson is a ridiculously versatile defensive lineman prospect who played all over the Alabama defensive line. He’s been utilized as a 3-tech, 5-tech, RUSH EDGE, and been great in everything that he does. Steve Sarkisian nicknamed Anderson ‘The Terminator” as the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2020 because of his big play ability and target acquisition skills. 

Anderson has some upside to his game left – his hands could develop to be better and he could put more effort into being a pursuit defender, but his game already is outstanding. He’s already started to add to his frame and looks to be at a solid playing weight. 

Will Anderson Jr. (@will_anderson28) with the counter club/swim. Does a great job reducing his hitting surface & stepping through as he executes his move inside! #passrush #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/luB8B3dWxf

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) February 25, 2023

Anderson has stayed very healthy throughout his career. Never missed a start. 

Will Anderson Jr’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (45)

Speed/Athleticism: 20 

• Speed (6.5/7) – Incredibly quick and fast. Incredible athlete. Has great closing speed. 
• Lateral Quickness (6/7) – Very quick laterally. Moves well and is capable of playing some zone coverage. 
• Body Control (5.5/6) – Very solid body control. Has the ability to move fluidly and change direction with ease. 

Burst: 10 

• First Step Quickness (5/5) – First step timing is impeccable. Incredible get off. 
• Explosion (4.5/5) – Ridiculously explosive. 

Power/Strength: 15 

• Upper Body Strength (3.5/6) – Strong upper body. Doesn’t handle contact from his sides well. 
• Lower Body Strength (5/6) – Great pure leg drive to bull rush with. Awesome lower body strength. Struggles sometimes with being driven back. 
• Pure Brute Strength (1/3) – Not a brute athlete. Won’t bully his way around the field. 

Pass Rushing Mechanics (25)

Bend: 10 

• Balance (4/5) – Good balance overall. Works well to lean into the blocker and use the blocker as leverage to maintain his balance. 
• Bend (4.5/5) – Excellent bend that allows him to get where he wants to. 

Finesse: 15 

• Hand Usage (4/5) – Hand usage could be more defined. Overall, good, especially when he has a read on the play. Has a nice shrug move. 
• Hand Strength (4/5) – Good hand strength and can knock away stronger linemen’s hands to make a play in the backfield. Played well as a 3-tech as well as from the 50tech and the 7-tech. 
• Hand Placement (4.5/5) – Placement is good, especially from off of the snap. 

Defender Ability (26) 

Tackling/Pursuit: 16

• Tackling Ability (4.5/6) – Very strong wrap up tackler. Clean technique and solid strength to make the tackle happen. Missed 13.8% of his tackle opportunities last year. Vicious at the point of contact. 
• Space Defending (4/5) – Very strong defender in space. Speed can limit him sometimes but overall a very solid player in space. 
• Pursuit Angles (4/5) – Pursuit angles are typically very good. Can get caught against better athletes as incapable of tracking them down. 

Motor/Consistency: 10 

• Motor (4/5) – Plays with a good motor, could be great. I’d just like to see him be more active after the throw. 
• Consistent Motor (4.5/5) – Doesn’t take plays off. 

Overall: (92) – 1st Round