Top NFL Draft spots for former Alabama outside linebacker Ryan Anderson

As we continue through Alabama’s defensive prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, the Crimson Tide’s “angry man” of 2016 falls next on Touchdown Alabama Magazine’s draft projections. Ryan Anderson went from unsung hero in 2014, to one of Alabama’s tone setters on defense last season. He collected a team-high 19 tackles for loss, while registering 61 total tackles, nine sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries (versus Clemson in CFP national title game) and three pass breakups through 16 games.

The 6-foot-2, 258-pounder accounted for 15 of the Tide’s 106 sacks during the last two years, while amassing 36.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hurries in his career. Despite possessing the enact for creating negative plays, pass coverage is a glaring weakness for Anderson. The Daphne, Ala., native had a rough time defending tight ends, especially former Ole Miss star Evan Engram during Senior Bowl week.

Though his coverage skills must come into fruition down the road, there are a multitude of teams that need quickness and disruption on the edge along its defensive front. Anderson is currently the 61st overall prospect in this class and sixth-best outside linebacker, according to CBS’ NFL Draft Tracker.

He projects as a concrete second-round pick.

Who drafts Anderson: San Francisco 49ers (No. 34 pick, 2nd round)

Teams will pass on him due to issues in coverage, but San Francisco needs all the help it can get.

The 49ers finished last in total defense (406.4 ypg) and rush defense (165.9 ypg), which were both areas that Anderson helped Alabama excel at in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. His technique as an edge rusher will help San Francisco’s defense get off the field more, as it bit the bullet in first downs allowed (358, T-29th) and third down defense (102 of 226, 45.1 percent). Selecting Anderson gives Navorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks someone to mentor, while pairing him with ex-Tide stars Vinnie Sunseri and defensive lineman Quinton Dial.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.