Will Anderson assesses his strengths and weaknesses following Alabama Spring Game

Alabama linebacker Will Anderson had a dominant defensive season as a sophomore. He was so impactful that he finished third in Heisman first-place votes although not qualifying as a finalist.

When you’re at the top of Mel Kiper’s 2023 NFL Draft Big Board as well as On3’s College Football Impact 300, it begs the question at what else Anderson could add to his game. When asked following Alabama’s Spring Game, he actually said there’s another level he can reach.

“Sometimes I take myself out of my linebacker drills and go over with Coach Saban and do one line or two line sometimes. I try to get my DB work right,” Anderson said jokingly.

With this added layer to his game, one of the top defensive players in college football could cause only that much more chaos. Still, Anderson says he’d rather remain as a pass rusher to best utilize himself on defense.

“If it’s my choice, I’ll go with rush the passer. I like to do that,” said Anderson.

He doesn’t just like it. Anderson is incredible at it. He led Division I last season with 17.5 sacks, two better than second best in the country. He also finished with the most solo tackles for the Crimson Tide last season with 57.

There are few, if any, holes you can poke in Will Anderson’s game already. If he adds another tool to his skillset this offseason, it won’t just be college quarterbacks who should worry after he’s selected near the top of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper reveals why Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. is his No. 1 overall player

ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his 2023 Top 25 NFL Big Board this morning with two Alabama stars leading the way. Even after winning the 2022 Heisman, QB Bryce Young couldn’t take the top spot from DE Will Anderson Jr.. After a dominant sophomore season, Kiper explained on SportsCenter why Anderson topped his list.

“What a football player Will Anderson Jr. is. It’s going to be tough to unseat him as the No. 1 overall player. The No. 1 pick will be determined by need, but with Will Anderson Jr., what’s not to like?” said Kiper.

Anderson broke out last year with arguably the best defensive season in all of college football. He led the nation in sacks with 17.5 and nearly doubled his total tackles from his freshman season.

“The sack artist he is,” said Kiper. “17 ½ [sacks last season], the way he impacts the game against the run, 34 ½ tackles for loss, and second on the team in tackles with 101, and you throw in the incredible character, the work ethic, the ability to keep getting better and better.”

Anderson just missed the cut for the 2022 Heisman Ceremony. Still, he finished third in first place votes, more than Pittsburgh QB Kenny Pickett and Ohio State QB CJ Stroud. Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson placed second, but Anderson tallied 3.5 more sacks and 39 more tackles than the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Anderson has the chance to go down as one of Nick Saban’s next star out of Alabama. A similar junior season could help Anderson become the Tide’s fifth Heisman and first #1 overall pick under Saban.

“I think he’ll go down as one of Nick Saban’s all-time favorite players ever at Alabama because of the character, the work ethic, the approach, in addition to how dominating he is game-in and game-out consistent overall.”

If Anderson has another dominant season for the Tide, he’ll make it difficult for whoever’s up first to pick anyone but him at #1.