The Chicago Bears have a big decision ahead of them with the 2023 NFL draft. Either they will take something #1 overall or trade the pick. Most believe it will be the latter, but nobody can say for sure. One inescapable truth is that when the dust settles, GM Ryan Poles will pick somebody in the 1st round. So it’s time to start exploring who those possibilities might be. There isn’t a better place to start than with who many view as the best overall player in the entire class. Let’s say hello to Crimson Tide star pass rusher Will Anderson.
- Position: EDGE
- School: Alabama
- Year: Junior
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 250 lbs
Will Anderson strengths:
- Doesn’t lack power. His bull rush can be highly effective and can fight through double teams.
- Consistently keeps his hands active and uses his arms to their full extension.
- Has a variety of different moves that he utilizes to win reps on almost every snap.
- Quick off the snap. Shows good burst to beat blockers to the edge or knife through gaps.
- Zero hesitation in his movement. Reads and reacts to plays with natural instinct.
This play demonstrates so much of what Anderson does well. There is no jagged edges to his movement. It’s all one fluid motions. He sets the tackle up as if he’s going outside and then uses a nasty cut and swim motion to slip right by him for a free shot at the quarterback. He doesn’t hesitate, bearing down on his target and making a picture-perfect tackle for the sack.
- Highly versatile. Can play standing up, with a hand in the dirt, and on either side of the line.
- Seems comfortable dropping into coverage on occasion.
- Excellent motor. Gives constant effort on every snap.
- Contact balance is solid. Not easy to keep on the ground even with cut blocks.
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t have the greatest bend around the edge, which limits his speed rush abilities.
- Tackling is underwhelming at times. Doesn’t always wrap up well.
- Lighter weight could make him a liability against bigger tackles in the run game.
- Runs himself out of plays from time to time. Gap containments must improve.
Pro Comparison: Khalil Mack
He’s not as thickly built as the former Bears All-Pro, but the two share a lot in common in playing styles. Mack wins with a mixture of power, leverage, and excellent use of his hands and length. The number of times he pancaked tackles with his bull rush is hard to count. Anderson has that same type of skill set. He’s very good at using his hands and long arms to create separation and then his power to blow by blockers into the backfield. If not accounted for, he can ruin offensive game plans.
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Projection: Top 5
There is no question that Will Anderson deserves the hype he gets. There are minor concerns about his size and overall athleticism. That cannot and should not dismiss the many things he does well. Any team that drafts him will likely get a Pro Bowl player for the next decade. He can anchor the front of any defense, regardless of scheme. The Bears would not be second-guessed for even a moment if they took him #1 overall.
Micah parsons has world class speed to go with that light weight. Does Dallas run a 4-3 or a 3-4? That to me will make a difference. You all remember Leonard Floyd, he was too small for a 4-3 scheme.
I’m just not sure Will Anderson can stop the run.
J.J. Watt was drafted about 9 picks after Vonn Miller. I pray that Poles doesn’t pick one kid when he could get four or five.
Not sure why I got negative marks on my Dwight Freeney post. He was a great pass rusher for many years. Plus he was 20 pounds heavier coming out of college. Not sure where the 250 came from. Alabama says 235 and schools usually go a little heavy.
The question is do we draft a situational pass rusher. Seems a little high. He’s had as many missed tackles as sacks this season. When teams can get 5 yards a carry why pass. I really don’t see how picking a pass rusher will help. I really hope we pick someone who can tackle and rush the passer. But if he is the best thing since sliced bread do it.
He didn’t play in a 4-3 and he’s smaller than like the Bosas, Chase Young, and others. I think he’s probably a little smaller than Micah Parsons. The Bears should take him–don’t drop back. This is a difference maker. Turn in the card, take a generational pass rusher and don’t look back. The Bears COULD HAVE selected Terrell Suggs with pick #4 in ’03, but they traded back for Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman. TAKE THE STUD