SEC 2023 NFL Draft Preview: Alabama OLB Will Anderson Jr.

When discussing who the first non-quarterback to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft will be, that conversation likely begins with Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr.. A three-year starter for the Crimson Tide in which he was one of college football’s top players, will Anderson come off the board within the top five, and if so, why?

SEC 2023 NFL Draft Preview: Alabama OLB Will Anderson Jr.

Beginning with a look at his collegiate career, Anderson originally came to Alabama in the Crimson Tide’s 2020 recruiting class, rated as a five-star prospect. Anderson was also considered the No. 1 defensive end in the entire 2020 recruiting class, and would go on to make an immediate impact in  Tuscaloosa as a freshman, amassing 52 total tackles for the national champion Crimson Tide, as well as ranking third in the SEC with both 10.5 TFL and seven sacks.

The 2021 season would however mark arguably Anderson’s best in a Crimson Tide uniform, as the former five-star would compile 101 tackles, 31 TFL, and 17.5 sacks to finish fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy. Named a Consensus All-American, Anderson would also win the Nagurski Award, as well as be named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and would lead both the SEC and nation that season in both TFL and sacks.

As for this past season as a junior, Anderson would total 51 tackles, 17 TFL, and 10 sacks for the Crimson Tide, leading the SEC once again in both TFL and sacks. Anderson would also be named a Consensus All-American once again, as well as SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and would go on to receive numerous awards that included the Nagurski, Bednarik, Lott, and Lombardi.

Declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft at seasons end, Anderson would conclude his three seasons at Alabama with a final stat line of 204 tackles, 58.5 TFL, and 34.5 sacks from 2020-22.

Strengths

Considered as the top edge rusher in the 2023 NFL Draft, it’s easy to see why Anderson holds that billing when watching the Alabama junior on the field. Simply an all-around dominant pass rusher, Anderson wins with both power and speed on the edge, and is a one-on-one matchup nightmare for offensive tackles, which caused most teams to opt-to double-team the former five-star during the most recent 2022 season.

At 6-foot-4, 243 pounds, Anderson is also capable of playing sideline-to-sideline with his speed, and is tough to get around on the edge defensively. Simply put, Anderson has everything that you would want in a star NFL pass rusher, and should be a major impact player from day one.

Question Marks

To keep things simple, there are not really any notable question marks surrounding Anderson as he enters the NFL Draft. The former five-star has simply been dominant across this three seasons at Alabama, and has everything needed to do the same in the NFL.

Potential Draft Range

As for Anderson’s potential draft range, it is unlikely that the Alabama standout falls out of the top five picks overall. Potentially the first non-quarterback selected, Anderson could be selected at any point between picks No. 1-5, with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks as teams to watch for in particular.

Draft Prediction

Anderson will be the first non-quarterback selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, coming off the board at some point within the first five overall picks.