Henry Anderson: Prime Candidate For Defensive ‘ROY’
By Dave McKee
Aug 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Henry Anderson (96) tackles St. Louis Rams running back Isaiah Pead (24) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Henry Anderson’s athleticism and intensity in the trenches has rejuvenated the Colts defensive front seven.
Through the first two weeks of the season, Anderson’s 14 tackles is tied for the lead among defensive linemen. The others are 2014 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Aaron Donald and his teammate Michael Brokers of the St. Louis Rams. Oh and this guy from the Houston Texans… J.J. Watt.
There are shades of J.J. Watt in Anderson’s game. To clarify, I am not saying he is as good as Watt, but his ceiling is so high that is the closest thing to Watt the Colts are going to get. He has the athleticism and size similar to Watt but is not the dominant force that Watt is… yet.
Consider Anderson’s measurables, Anderson’s height-weight-speed attributes are impressive. He posted the top combine numbers in both the 3-Cone Drill and 20-yard Shuttle among the defensive linemen. He ran a 7.20 second 3-Cone Drill and a 4.19 20-yard Shuttle. With a five second 40-yard dash at the combine and 23 bench reps at 225lbs at his Pro Day, Anderson stands out as a freakishly athletic big man.
More from Indianapolis Colts
- The Indianapolis Colts Have a Brutal Road Schedule in 2019
- Who Could the Indianapolis Colts Target in Free Agency?
- Here is Where the Colts Will Pick in the First Round of the NFL Draft
- What’s Next For the Indianapolis Colts?
- Hey Kansas City, the Indianapolis Colts are Coming
Henry Anderson can become a dominant force, the playmaker the Colts have been searching for to compliment
Robert Mathisand
Vontae Davison the defense. Anderson is just scratching the surface on his in-game potential. What’s phenomenal is that he is still getting comfortable with the Colts defensive schemes and is already producing at an exceptional level. Anderson makes plays. He’s not getting 14 tackles by staying in one place and letting a running back run come to him.
Henry Anderson flies all over the field making plays. His athleticism is astounding he Hits like a defensive lineman but he chases down plays with the speed of a linebacker. Against the Bills, he chased Tyrod Taylor and Lesean McCoy from behind making the play from the opposite side of the field.
Anderson doesn’t just make plays from behind, he generates an interior pressure breaks when the quarterback drops back and has been a consistent run stuffer between the tackles. It’s not just the plays he makes but how he makes them. He hits with intensity. Let’s face it; this dude has a nasty streak which is exactly what the Colts need.
Next: Projecting Mr. Anderson