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Houston Texans: Will Anderson

SnakeEyes said:
Just curious. We know Anderson is fast, but he really only has the 1st step and hasn't really developed any moves yet past speed. He is 6'4" and I'll say 250lbs, he might be listed 243 or maybe 260 by the Texans. So, I was wondering if he might be better suited for a LB, specifically OLB. This would take advantage of the speed and lack of moves. It would also be an advantage for now against double and triple teams. The OL has to deal with the front 4. Leaving only 1 guy, and Greenard is going to start getting double teams at the rate he is going. So, it might result in Anderson getting TEs or RBs trying to block him. IMO, it might just be a good idea to move him.

What do you think?
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I agree he needs to and will improve his power but many opponents aren't prepared for what power he does bring. Call him DE or OLB he will line up on the LOS. I prefer 5 6 defense.
At 6’4, two hundred forty three pounds, Anderson is the linebacker/edge rusher every team would want.

Just some teams need a quarterback ...
From the very beginning at Alabama, Anderson made an immediate impact, with the season opener making three tackles and three quarterback pressures. During his second season with the Crimson Tide, Anderson was named the top defensive player in college football and was unanimous All-American.
In his conference, the SEC, he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He led the entire nation in tackles for loss while also individually totaling seventeen and a half sacks and one hundred and two tackles total.

He was also a team captain. It doesn't hurt that he played in the Sugar Bowl, and showed up and ran drills at the NFL combine when he really didn't have to.
Anderson can convert speed to power and is also a twitch athlete with great speed.
Simply put, he will be a linebacker who will make an immediate impact in the NFL.
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Has no issues shedding blocks with his hand placement and strength, and has the agility to cross the face of the offensive lineman he’s engaged with to make tackles in the adjacent gap.
— Can be lethal when slanting with his get-off and movement skills. Gains ground laterally and vertically with his L-step and can get penetration easily.
— Powerful for his size as a bull-rusher to put offensive tackles on skates. Also works to get on an edge and has developed several inside countermoves off the bull rush.
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bleacherreport.com

Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama Edge

<b>HEIGHT:</b> 6'4" <b>WEIGHT:</b> 243 <b>HAND: </b>TBD <b>ARM:</b> TBD <b>WINGSPAN:</b> TBD <b>40-YARD DASH:</b> TBD <b>3-CONE:</b> TBD <b>SHUTTLE:</b> TBD...
bleacherreport.com bleacherreport.com


 
10. Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans

Stats: 21 tackles, 1 sack
Drafted: No. 3 overall

Anderson has been slightly overshadowed by Stroud in Houston but is still fantastic in his own right. The edge rusher has just one sack in five games, but he has added 21 tackles and a blocked field goal to go with it. Anderson's pass rush win rate of 30.1% is third best in the league and shows he's getting to the quarterback. And as the season goes on, he'll start to close on the passer better to turn those pressures into sacks.

His flashes through five games have been notable, and my bet would be that Anderson will end the season with double-digit sacks. -- Miller
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www.espn.com

Ranking the NFL's top rookies through five weeks: How many quarterbacks make our top 10?

How do the NFL's best first-year players stack up through Week 5? And which three teams have multiple players in the top 10?
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
Khelar said:
Personally I don't feel great about the guy we traded all that for only being the 10th best rookie in his class but maybe that's just me.
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First, all the extra was to get Stroud, if we were only getting 1 it was Junior.

Dudes playing full time learning to be a pro and excelling at his position.

Talk to me in a few years, Dudes gonna flip a switch one day and be way more the the good player he already is.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
while I see your train of thought....I say no...If his first step, speed, and relentless motor are his biggest attributes...why would you negate them by having him start 4 yards off the ball??
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Because he isn't very heavy by DL standards. But, he is about typical of a OLB. He would be 4yrds away true, however with the 1st step and speed...plus likely not dealing with an OL player. He would probably be in the back field or able to go sideline to sideline to get tackles. As I said, just a thought until he develops some hand moves or something to get off a block.

leebigeztx said:
He's strong enough, his motor is good. His hand placement is fine, his technique of trying to center nfl caliber tackles are his problem. Von isn't as big, neither is Robert Quinn or Ndakwae, but those guys know how to use angles and have awareness. 3rd and 5 in today's nfl is a passing down. You have to go get the qb and you will never do it trying to go center mass.
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This is why I brought the idea of OLB up. Using Miller as an example, he has played both LB and DE. I have heard his name more often at LB than DE. Anderson is still growing and learning how to use his hands and angels. I think putting him at OLB ever 1/2 the time will free him up for a bigger impact on games. He will still be learning hand placement and angels. And then you decide next off season is he a DE/Edge or OLB. If not a permanent switch going from say DE on 1st down to OLB on 2nd would no doubt confuse the OL.
 
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badboy said:
I agree he needs to and will improve his power but many opponents aren't prepared for what power he does bring. Call him DE or OLB he will line up on the LOS. I prefer 5 6 defense.

bleacherreport.com

Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama Edge

<b>HEIGHT:</b> 6'4" <b>WEIGHT:</b> 243 <b>HAND: </b>TBD <b>ARM:</b> TBD <b>WINGSPAN:</b> TBD <b>40-YARD DASH:</b> TBD <b>3-CONE:</b> TBD <b>SHUTTLE:</b> TBD...
bleacherreport.com bleacherreport.com


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He was playing college football then. The speed, power, angles, leverage and hand fighting is multiple times harder. They guys he use to throw to the side are now probably stronger and more importantly have better angels and hand position. Not at all saying that he will not figure it out. I'm only saying that he is not at that level yet and OLB may help him out as he learns.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
and yet there are members on this board that will have you believe that he hasnt done anything, wasnt worth the pick, and isnt producing any results...but hey facts and stats dont mean anything.
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Has he done enough to show he's worth TWO 1st round picks? No.

Has he done enough to show he's worth ONE 1st round pick? Yes.

Will he at some point in time show he's worth those two 1st round picks? Stay tuned, because nobody knows yet.
 
badboy said:
I agree he needs to and will improve his power but many opponents aren't prepared for what power he does bring. Call him DE or OLB he will line up on the LOS. I prefer 5 6 defense.

bleacherreport.com

Will Anderson Jr. NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Alabama Edge

<b>HEIGHT:</b> 6'4" <b>WEIGHT:</b> 243 <b>HAND: </b>TBD <b>ARM:</b> TBD <b>WINGSPAN:</b> TBD <b>40-YARD DASH:</b> TBD <b>3-CONE:</b> TBD <b>SHUTTLE:</b> TBD...
bleacherreport.com bleacherreport.com


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Thing is if all you have is power, nfl ol players will just anchor and you're dead in the water. Will can't continue to strike a guy center mass and expect to win. This is what Clowney would do. Clowney was a disruptive player because he was so strong, long, and ate up yards. He was great at setting the edge because he would shock ol players. His problems early are the same as Will Anderson right now. He hasn't shown he can convert speed to power or vice versa. Some guys like Von Miller, Aldon Smith, TJ Watt, Shawn Merriman show it early and naturally.
 
leebigeztx said:
Thing is if all you have is power, nfl ol players will just anchor and you're dead in the water. Will can't continue to strike a guy center mass and expect to win. This is what Clowney would do. Clowney was a disruptive player because he was so strong, long, and ate up yards. He was great at setting the edge because he would shock ol players. His problems early are the same as Will Anderson right now. He hasn't shown he can convert speed to power or vice versa. Some guys like Von Miller, Aldon Smith, TJ Watt, Shawn Merriman show it early and naturally.
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So I have an honest question: Whats it going to take from WAJr to impress you and for you to finally give him credit? Im asking b/c I want to know what your REALISTIC expectations are and that way the goal posts dont keep getting moved.
 
leebigeztx said:
Thing is if all you have is power, nfl ol players will just anchor and you're dead in the water. Will can't continue to strike a guy center mass and expect to win. This is what Clowney would do. Clowney was a disruptive player because he was so strong, long, and ate up yards. He was great at setting the edge because he would shock ol players. His problems early are the same as Will Anderson right now. He hasn't shown he can convert speed to power or vice versa. Some guys like Von Miller, Aldon Smith, TJ Watt, Shawn Merriman show it early and naturally.
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at first you said he didn't have any power now you're saying that's all he does have. Which is it? He has shown in college that he has speed that does convert to power. Yes it will take him sometime to adjust to the NFL but he is already being schemed for in my opinion.
I agree that he does not need to frequently hit Center Mass on his opponent. My main concern is not how Anderson is doing but how will those around him do with him on the field now. We have seen a slight improvement from greenard but Hughes seems to have regressed this year.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
and yet there are members on this board that will have you believe that he hasnt done anything, wasnt worth the pick, and isnt producing any results...but hey facts and stats dont mean anything.
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Nah, I know what my eyes see. Why do people think posters are calling him a bum? He's playing solid, nothing special. Just use your eyes. I know fir me I don't need analytics to tell me how well a guy is playing. If you go on Jacksonville board, the analytics says Walker is playing well. They will talk about his pressure and run stop %, but bottom line, are you getting the qb on the ground? If Jacksonville had a do over, they would take Hutchinson because he's creating chaos and getting the qb on the ground.
 
badboy said:
at first you said he didn't have any power now you're saying that's all he does have. Which is it? He has shown in college that he has speed that does convert to power. Yes it will take him sometime to adjust to the NFL but he is already being schemed for in my opinion.
I agree that he does not need to frequently hit Center Mass on his opponent. My main concern is not how Anderson is doing but how will those around him do with him on the field now. We have seen a slight improvement from greenard but Hughes seems to have regressed this year.
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I never said he didn't have power, that's all he has. You're not going to make a living trying to over power nfl tackles. He doesn't have the body or strength, plus it wears you out.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
So I have an honest question: Whats it going to take from WAJr to impress you and for you to finally give him credit? Im asking b/c I want to know what your REALISTIC expectations are and that way the goal posts dont keep getting moved.
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3rd and 5, get the qb on the ground or make him throw the ball away. I'm not down on him, but I've seen enough dline players who just create pressure. That's not good enough. Right now, he's a 8 at edge setting, pursuit, run stop. He's probably a 4 or 5 as a pass rusher.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
So I have an honest question: Whats it going to take from WAJr to impress you and for you to finally give him credit? Im asking b/c I want to know what your REALISTIC expectations are and that way the goal posts dont keep getting moved.
Click to expand...
Not the guy you replied to but for me it needs to look closer to week 1 in terms of actual impact on the passing game. I was so impressed by him week 1. He got a sack, forced an INT with his pressure, forced a holding penalty, and played the run well. Then you watch the cutup of his pass rushes from Atlanta and it's a very different story. There's maybe 2 plays where he affects the throw and that's me being generous. More accurately it's 0-1 throws he impacts. Same story with the Steelers game, I believe I counted 2 throws impacted in that game.

In terms of raw stats I'd like to see him getting to the point where he's averaging 4 pressures a game or so and get up to 8-9 sacks for the year. He's currently on pace for like 3.5 sacks on the year so we'll see if he can do that.
 
SnakeEyes said:
Just curious. We know Anderson is fast, but he really only has the 1st step and hasn't really developed any moves yet past speed. He is 6'4" and I'll say 250lbs, he might be listed 243 or maybe 260 by the Texans. So, I was wondering if he might be better suited for a LB, specifically OLB. This would take advantage of the speed and lack of moves. It would also be an advantage for now against double and triple teams. The OL has to deal with the front 4. Leaving only 1 guy, and Greenard is going to start getting double teams at the rate he is going. So, it might result in Anderson getting TEs or RBs trying to block him. IMO, it might just be a good idea to move him.

What do you think?
Click to expand...

Ravens game he had a few snaps where he was standing up on the outside like a LB..but ever since that game he’s been in 4 pt. stance. My guess is they want him more as a force against the run for now until they upgrade the LB positions.
 
JB said:
That's hard to do with the back end playing a soft zone. QB gets rid of the ball in under 3 secs there won't be many sacks
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Get your head up and knock the ball down. It wasn't just getting the ball out quick vs Atlanta, it was the same bull rush is my concern. I mean, the other team is getting paid also. On the times Ridder held the ball, he was still bull rushing the ot. It's not just him, but he is the highest drafted player on that dl. You don't move that kind of qb capital for a run stopper. I hope the dl coach is working with him and trying to develop him.
 
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leebigeztx said:
I never said he didn't have power, that's all he has. You're not going to make a living trying to over power nfl tackles. He doesn't have the body or strength, plus it wears you out.
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WA was known at Alabama for blowing past tackles and TEs to pressure the QB. His sacks, hits and hurries for most part were due to his speed. I feel that's how he will make his name in the NFL.

If you are saying he has not equaled his draft cost in 5 games that's undeniable. Good thing for 98% of NFL players that isn't the criteria.
 
leebigeztx said:
3rd and 5, get the qb on the ground or make him throw the ball away. I'm not down on him, but I've seen enough dline players who just create pressure. That's not good enough. Right now, he's a 8 at edge setting, pursuit, run stop. He's probably a 4 or 5 as a pass rusher.
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At Alabama he had a bit more help like Dallas Turner.
 
badboy said:
WA was known at Alabama for blowing past tackles and TEs to pressure the QB. His sacks, hits and hurries for most part were due to his speed. I feel that's how he will make his name in the NFL.

If you are saying he has not equaled his draft cost in 5 games that's undeniable. Good thing for 98% of NFL players that isn't the criteria.
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In college, alot of qbs drift into sacks. In the nfl, qbs climb in the pocket so what appears to be a pressure is just qb movement. WA is going to have learn when to get up field, then bend inside and flatten out and burst. So far he's just striking the ot center mass and trying to bull rush. I'm saying it's an inate skill that a guy like Ndakwe has and that's why he has a high sack and qb hit rate. Look, I don't think WA will be an elite rusher like Garrett, Parsons, or guys to that ilk, but I think he will be a solid pass rush guy.
 
leebigeztx said:
Nah, I know what my eyes see. Why do people think posters are calling him a bum? He's playing solid, nothing special. Just use your eyes. I know fir me I don't need analytics to tell me how well a guy is playing. If you go on Jacksonville board, the analytics says Walker is playing well. They will talk about his pressure and run stop %, but bottom line, are you getting the qb on the ground? If Jacksonville had a do over, they would take Hutchinson because he's creating chaos and getting the qb on the ground.
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Who called him a bum on here?
 
leebigeztx said:
3rd and 5, get the qb on the ground or make him throw the ball away. I'm not down on him, but I've seen enough dline players who just create pressure. That's not good enough. Right now, he's a 8 at edge setting, pursuit, run stop. He's probably a 4 or 5 as a pass rusher.
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So every 3rd and 5 you want him to get a sack....wow.....ok. Well now we know what your expectations are.
Crazy...
 
All this banter, which is fine but I’ll reserve judgement on a rookie DL for a little further out then 5 games. If the expectation is pro bowls and 10-15 sacks a year by his third year then we’re a tad bit early.(which is fine) Right now he’s being overwhelmed a bit by pro OLs. If he can adjust and get angles and win battles playing smarter not harder and reach the goals above I’m good with what we paid. In the end I personally think he’ll be special but we shall see.
 
Texazan said:
All this banter, which is fine but I’ll reserve judgement on a rookie DL for a little further out then 5 games. If the expectation is pro bowls and 10-15 sacks a year by his third year then we’re a tad bit early.(which is fine) Right now he’s being overwhelmed a bit by pro OLs. If he can adjust and get angles and win battles playing smarter not harder and reach the goals above I’m good with what we paid. In the end I personally think he’ll be special but we shall see.
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Indeed. I would add coaching in there as well. They have to set him up for success. Moving him around would imo do him some justice. The young man is getting his share of double teamed, chipped blocked and on occasion tripled teamed. A true space eater would help out as well.
 
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leebigeztx said:
In college, alot of qbs drift into sacks. In the nfl, qbs climb in the pocket so what appears to be a pressure is just qb movement. WA is going to have learn when to get up field, then bend inside and flatten out and burst. So far he's just striking the ot center mass and trying to bull rush. I'm saying it's an inate skill that a guy like Ndakwe has and that's why he has a high sack and qb hit rate. Look, I don't think WA will be an elite rusher like Garrett, Parsons, or guys to that ilk, but I think he will be a solid pass rush guy.
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A lot do "drift" but that wasn't Anderson. His freshman year he was "solid" with 7 sacks.. 2nd team all SEC.
Next two he was All American, not done since 2007.
You think he's solid. Most think you are underestimating him.

www.tuscaloosanews.com

Will Anderson Jr. sets another Alabama football program record for national recognition

Alabama football defender Will Anderson Jr. is a unanimous All-American in both 2021 and 2022, a first in Crimson Tide history.
www.tuscaloosanews.com
 
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