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Alabama NFL Draft Prospects

Will Anderson secures top-five draft status with NFL Combine performance

Will Anderson points to the sidelines
Photo comes from Crimson Tide photos

Bryce Young has been the talk of the NFL Scouting Combine, but Will Anderson left Indianapolis knowing his draft status is secured.

The talented edge rusher dominated college football in three seasons at the University of Alabama. Anderson put his top-five draft money in his bank with a strong performance at Lucas Oil Stadium. He weighed in at 6-3 1/2″ and 253 pounds, recording 33 7/8″ arms and 9 7/8″ hands. Anderson participated in the 40-yard dash, clocking a 4.6 and a 1.61 10-yard split time.

Both numbers were good for his size, and he looked fluid in on-field workouts. Anderson displayed quick feet, balance, explosiveness, and power. He’s been compared to Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and DeMarcus Ware in his draft process, and Anderson’s measurables numbers resemble all three. A breakdown of measurables for all four is below.

Will Anderson

-Height: 6-3 1/2″

-Weight: 253 pounds

-Arms: 33 7/8″

-Hands: 9 7/8″

-40-time: 4.60 seconds, official

-10-yard split: 1.61 seconds

Khalil Mack (2014 Combine)

-Height: 6-2 5/8″

-Weight: 251 pounds

-Arms: 33 1/4″

-Hands: 10 1/4″

-40-time: 4.65 seconds, official

-10-yard split: 1.53 seconds

Von Miller (2012 Combine)

-Height: 6-2 5/8″

-Weight: 246 pounds

-Arms: 33 1/2″

-Hands: 9 1/4″

-40-time: 4.53 seconds, official

-10-yard split: 1.62 seconds

DeMarcus Ware (2005 Combine)

-Height: 6-4

-Weight: 251 pounds

-Arms: 33 1/4″

-Hands: 10″

-40-time: 4.65 seconds, official

-10-yard split: 1.70 seconds

Anderson was a two-time Unanimous All-American at Alabama. He earned the Bronko Nagurski Award twice, finishing his career with 34.5 sacks and 62 tackles for loss. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares Anderson to DeMarcus Ware.

RELATED: Watch Will Anderson fly through his first 40-yard dash attempt

He grades at 7.02, meaning “Pro Bowl talent.” The NFL awarded Anderson a score of 94, making him an elite edge rusher.

Chicago, Houston, Arizona, Indianapolis, Seattle, Detroit, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Carolina, and Philadelphia are the first 10 teams to pick on the opening night of the NFL Draft. We will see which team takes the explosive pass rusher.

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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

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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.

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