Chris Simms labels Will Anderson a ‘Tier 3’ edge rusher ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
Former Texas and NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Chris Simms made a bold claim regarding his EDGE rusher rankings in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. It has since sparked some conversation within the online NFL community.
He notably has Alabama’s Will Anderson ranked in his ‘tier three’ list as the No. 5 EDGE rusher in the upcoming draft.
Simms rankings include the following:
- Tyree Wilson — Texas Tech
- Lukas Van Ness — Iowa
- Nolan Smith — Georgia
- Will McDonald IV — Iowa State
- Will Anderson — Alabama
“I would almost bet big money there is no way he goes before any of the four we’ve talked about,” Simms said. “There’s no way. … I just don’t see it, for me. This is one where I go, ‘This is obvious,’ no one is going to be able to watch his film, and go, ‘This is as good as the four guys we just talked about. There’s no way. Those others guys have multiple things they do elite.”
In 2022, Anderson recorded 51 tackles, 17 of which were for loss, and 10 sacks this season. Over three seasons at Alabama, he was a difference-maker for the Crimson Tide defense. He amassed 214 total tackles and 34.5 sacks. Many analysts believe these pass-rushing skills will carry over to the pros as well.
Anderson is — or at least was — the consensus top EDGE rusher in the class. Mel Kiper Jr. had Anderson going No. 4 overall in his mock draft 3.0. Kiper’s ESPN cohort, Todd McShay, also has him at fourth in his most recent draft predictions.
That’s No. 1 in both of the ESPN draft expert’s lists. Wilson, who is a projected top-10 draft choice, comes in at the top spot in his rankings and the rest of the list seems fair — until you get to Anderson.
Joel Klatt agrees with Kiper and McShay, who recently explained what sets Anderson apart from the rest of the field of EDGE rushers this draft cycle.
“Arizona trades to No. 4 and gets the best edge rusher on their board. Again, this makes so much sense to me,” Klatt started. “Arizona is going to take their card up…and it’s going to say Will Anderson, outside linebacker from Alabama.”
“I love Will Anderson. This guy is an absolute alpha. He is what you want in your locker room,” continued Klatt. “He is gonna be your captain by the time he’s in his second or third year. That’s the type of worker he is. When your best players are also your hardest workers? You’ve got something. And that’s the exact style of player that Arizona can take here at No. 4.”
Simms opinion is certainly an outlier. His bold take is heavily contested by more credible names — and all signs point toward Will Anderson having a long, successful career in the NFL.