*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Will Anderson Lands Highest Preseason Grade
Updated June 9, 2022By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
In the realm of stating the obvious, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson is highly regarded by NFL advance scouts. The advance scouts put together their preseason watch list with preseason grades, and of all the prospects across college football, Anderson has the highest grade of any player eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Anderson was the rare freshman to start on Nick Saban’s defense, but Anderson proved his special ability with a superb 2020 season. He was third in the SEC in sacks, with seven, while also recording 10.5 tackles for a loss and 52 tackles. Anderson then put together a phenomenal 2021, recording 101 tackles, 17.5 sacks and three passes defended. Not only was he a dominant pass rusher, but Anderson was a strong, tough run defender.
It would not be surprising if Anderson’s numbers dip as a junior. That happened to previous SEC star edge rushers like Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett. However, both of them still went No. 1 overall in their draft classes. Anderson could contend with quarterback-needy teams taking signal-callers over him, but as the 2022 season approaches NFL sources have Anderson as the best prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft.
