Will Anderson explains NFL Combine decision, how he prepared for team interviews

Former Alabama star and future top 2023 NFL Draft choice Will Anderson joined the First Take crew on Tuesday morning to discuss a wide range of topics regarding Anderson’s time in Tuscaloosa as well as his experience with the draft process, where he spurned tradition and actually participated in the drills despite already being a guaranteed top pick. The first question he was asked on set is why he took that risk in participating.

But for Anderson, it was an easy challenge.

“For me, it’s just the competitor, you know what I’m saying. And then, they want to see me do linebacker drills, and in my head, I’m like… yo, I have the tape, but now y’all wanna see something else, so I’m going to go out there and compete with the linebackers so that y’all know I’m capable of being that versatile player that I say I am.”

Will Anderson wants to leave no doubt on the field about his standing as a player, whether that means suiting up for a bowl game when others wouldn’t or participating in combine drills even though his stock his safe. Stephen A. Smith asked if he hopes to stand out to teams for going through them. Anderson answered:

“Yes sir, most definitely. It just separates you. It shows the type of character you have, the type of discipline you have, really how much you love the game if you willing to go out there and do anything for it.”

Another huge part of the draft process is going through interviews with various teams. Anderson is finally almost done with that portion of the process and says being yourself is key to excelling in the interviews.

“Really, just be yourself and be authentic. You know, don’t lie about nothing. Be a man. If they put up a bad play of you, you know, own it, you just got to get better at it. Just be you and be authentic. Like, there’s nothing to hide and nothing to try to fake it, just be you, show them who you really are.”

Well, Will Anderson certainly didn’t seem to be hiding anything on the First Take set. He answered every question like an open book, not holding anything back or saying things he doesn’t believe. Heck, he even said he’d take Bryce Young over Tom Brady.

Overall, a thoughtful kid who seems to be crushing the pre-draft process.