Overview

Position: Outside linebacker

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 253 pounds

School: Alabama Crimson Tide

Combine Performance Data

40-yard dash: 4.78 seconds

Ryan Anderson 2017 NFL Draft Profile

Alabama’s Ryan Anderson is the kind of guy you want on your team. The senior linebacker is a high effort, high character player who puts his all into every single play. Instead of putting his focus into trying to be a star, Anderson focuses on doing his job and helping the team. Unselfish players like him who are constantly giving their all are valuable assets in football.

Getting on the field for Alabama’s loaded defense is no easy task, and Anderson didn’t see much time at first. In 2012 he redshirted, and the next season he saw just minimal playing time. He had season totals of just five tackles and 1.5 sacks. His playing time gradually increased each season, and as a sophomore he contributed 25 tackles, eight of which were for loss, and three sacks. A year later Anderson became a key pass-rusher (though he still wasn’t a starter) and accrued 37 tackles (11.5 for loss) and six sacks.

Anderson’s senior year finally saw him earn a starting spot and he did not disappoint. He proved to be solid as both a pass rusher and a run defender and even showed some coverage ability, returning an interception for a touchdown against Washington. Anderson’s numbers raised significantly in his senior season, and he racked up 61 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and an extremely impressive 18.5 tackles for loss. Anderson consistently did exactly what the play called for him to do and as a result his errors were few in number and he was a model of consistency. What Anderson did best was find his way to the ballcarrier behind the line of scrimmage and it showed in how many tackles for loss he racked up.

Strengths

Always takes care of his assignment;

High character;

Team player;

Good tackler;

Relentless effort;

Effective standing up or with a hand on the ground.

Weaknesses

Short arms;

Average athlete;

Pure effort rusher; may have difficulty against stronger NFL linemen;

Lacks closing speed desired in coverage;

Not much burst off line as an edge rusher;

Difficulty against double teams.

NFL Comparison: Rob Ninkovich

Teams With Need at Position: Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints

Projection: Round two or three

Bottom Line

Ryan Anderson won’t be the guy who lights it up with star power, but he’ll be a model of consistency and leadership. He should be a long-term starter and likely a solid player. Once he gains some experience, Anderson will become a locker room leader and be an important piece to the chemistry of whatever defense he lands on. He possesses the skills to be an every down player and should be able to contribute in all facets of the game early in his career. A lack of elite athleticism isn’t going to stop this former Alabama linebacker; his strength, determination, and high motor will help him succeed for years to come.