Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji signs deal following 2023 NFL Draft
Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji didn’t hear his name called during the NFL Draft, but it didn’t take long after that for a team to snatch him up. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Orji signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints.
Orji origianlly came to Vanderbilt as part of the 2019 recruiting class. He joined the Commodores as a three-star recruit and a top 60 class during the 2019 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Orji has been a safety/linebacker hybrid type of player at times. He was listed as a safety for his first two seasons in 2019 and 2020. He truly emerged as a difference maker on Vanderbilt’s defense during the 2021 season, firmly putting himself on the NFL Draft radar. In 12 games in 2021, he totaled 92 tackles with 13 tackles for loss, one sack, one pass defended and one forced fumble.
During the 2022 season, Orji again played a pivotal role on the Commodores defense. he totaled 106 tackles in 12 games, also adding 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, one pass defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Overall, Orji has a productive collegiate career as a three-year starter for Vanderbilt. He totaled 269 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Anfernee Orji
As the NFL Draft neared, experts chimed in on Orji’s status as a professional prospect. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein sees a lot to like in Orji’s game, while also admitting that his style of play does come with some risk. Due to his ability to contribute at a high level on special teams, Orji could have a clear path to making an NFL roster.
“Orji plays a frenetic brand of football that helps get him to the football but also creates consistency issues,” Zierlein said. “When the ball is snapped, he’s in attack mode whether he’s a run blitzer or an urgent linebacker. He makes up for what he lacks in timed speed with aggressive angles and an ability to slip climbing blocks to meet the ball-carrier near the line.
“He sees too many tackles slip from his grasp, but he’s also going to be in position to sniff a tackle when other linebackers are stuck to blocks. The traits, instincts and coverage are below average, but his play demeanor and special teams potential could give a chance to find a home.”