Will Anderson Jr 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 has 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.
Will Anderson Jr
4-3 DE – Alabama Crimson Tide
HT: 6031
WT: 243
Year: Super Sophomore
High School: Dutchtown (Hampton, GA)
Rating: 5-star (0.9913)
Projected Draft Grade: Immediate Starter
Projection: Top Five
Will Anderson Jr scouting notes
Pros:
- Incredibly quick and fast. Incredible athlete. Has excellent closing speed.
- Very quick laterally.
- Very solid body control. Has the ability to move fluidly and change direction with ease.
- First-step timing is impeccable. Incredible get-off.
- Ridiculously explosive.
- Great pure leg drive to bull rush with. Awesome lower body strength.
- Good balance overall.
- Excellent bend that allows him to get where he wants to, almost at will.
- Overall, good hand usage, especially when he has a read on the play. Placement is good, especially from off of the snap. Has a nice shrug move.
- Very strong wrap up tackler. Clean technique and solid strength to make the tackle happen. Vicious at the point of contact.
- Very strong defender in space.
- Doesn’t take plays off.
Cons:
- Strong upper body. Doesn’t handle contact from his sides well.
- Struggles sometimes with being driven back.
- Not a brute athlete. Won’t bully his way around the field.
- Hand usage could be more defined.
- Missed 13.8% of his tackle opportunities last year.
- Plays with a good motor, could be great. I’d just like to see him be more active after the throw.
