2023 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Will Anderson, Jr. -

Will Anderson is the best pass rusher in the draft. The Raiders’ defense sorely consistent rush from more than one person.

2023 Raiders Draft Prospect
Name: Will Anderson
Position: EDGE
School: Alabama
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 245 Pounds
Stats

Pass Rush/Repertoire

Now, we all know that edge players like to win with a burst, the quick first step that forces tackles to realign. In reality, his long-armed bull rush, and leg drive move offensive tackles away, allowing Anderson to get an arm free. With that said, Anderson’s spin move, equal parts speed, explosion, and pad level. His inside shoulder drives into the area of the outside of the blocker. Like a fulcrum, Anderson uses his shoulder to gain momentum and win. At the next level, developing an inside counter move would enhance his rush set. The Bama standout easily slips through on inside blitzes.

Run Stopping

Unlike some pass rushers, Anderson thrives in the run game. The ability to slide down the line of scrimmage, making the stop on the other side of the line seemed commonplace. If the play headed toward the prospect, he shows the knack for discarding the blocker to make the play.

Coverage

When called upon to drop back, the Bama standout looked comfortable in medium zones, Fluid hips and turn-and-run ability add another dimension to his game. Anderson is a 3-4 linebacker, that will put his hand in the dirt. As such, the zone blitz will become a part of his approach. Teams, especially ones with average/subpar quarterbacks will not see Anderson until he jumps the route. Expect a couple of pick-sixes during his NFL career.

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Tackling

First, let’s discuss the positives. Speed, with angles or closing, will never be a problem for Will Anderson. He meets the ball with explosion, a vast tackle radius, and good feet under him. The prospect drives the ballcarrier. No drag, no shirt-tugging. End of play. Now, he needs to break down faster. At times, Anderson arrives at the ball quickly and occasionally out of control. Overprusuit will make NFL offensive coordinators salivating. Also, at the next level, generating turnovers by chopping at the ball needs to be added to the player’s arsenal.

Intangibles

You can measure speed, strength, and determination. At the same time, Anderson possesses the otherwordly determination to get home. Regardless of the passing situation, Anderson loves screaming across the corner. In fact, the quote below exemplifies him.

“I tell people all the time, the audacity for the other team to even step on the field is disrespectful to me. I tell people that all the time. People ask me what motivates me. I say, the audacity for the fans to show up and for the team to come step on the field and play with us. So that’s kind of my own little thing in my head that I go through.”

THE AUDACITY.

Raiders Fit

Basically, the Las Vegas Raiders struggle with generating any consistent rush, outside of Maxx Crosby. Crosby’s production, despite increased attention, does not seem to wane. Meanwhile, Chandler Jones, as of this writing, entered Week 11 with one-half of a sack. Jones looks slow off the snap and lacks the burst that led him to multiple Pro Bowls and over one-hundred career sacks. As a result, teams will single Jones and shift all of their attention to Crosby. The drafting of Will Anderson depends on a few variables. First, if the Raiders want to retain Derek Carr, they will not draft a quarterback high. Under those circumstances, Anderson makes the most sense. Anderson’s blend of athleticism and pure determination will immediately make the Raiders a better defense. On the other side, with early success, teams will need to shift the double away from Crosby and play them either straight up or occasionally use max protection.