Jamaal Anderson (1 Viewer)

[Rozelle]

Last year Anderson lined head up on the tackle most of the time (5 technique), this year the Falcons plan on moving him out more to (6,7 and 9 technique) which will line him up on the outside edge of the tackle and TE. This should be more in his comfort zone, seeing that this is how Jamaal aligned at Arkansas.

(I think I have the technique numbers right)

There is also talk of moving Anderson to DT in pass-rush situations in favor of another edge rusher like OLB Michael Boley, or rookie DE/LB tweener Kroy Biermamm, Georgia rookie free agent Brandon Miller was also mentioned. I believe this is similar in the way the Giants used Tuck.

Defensive Line coach/Ray Hamilton

"If we can find other fast guys, good pass rushers, then we could move him," Hamilton said of Anderson. "We could use him as a first- and second-down defensive end and on third down move him inside where he could be like [Jacksonville's Stroud and Henderson] in there, beating guard’s upfield and batting balls down."

The success of the defense coach Mike Smith and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder have installed is predicated on pressure from the front four. A committee of linemen will be used.

"From what I've seen so far, we have a good rotation of guys who could keep the offense guessing because everyone is different," said Hamilton, who coached a top defensive front in Jacksonville with Smith

The adjusting of personnel — and occasional shift to a 3-4 front — fits the new ideology that the defensive line will attack any player in front of it, regardless of whether it's a lineman or running back. That should also allow linebackers to make plays.

Falcons not supplementing D-line

One more note of interest: Anderson weighed in at the May minicamp 10 lbs lighter, at 278.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Hmm...speed rusher that is being put in spots where they need more strength and play stout. Sounds like a round peg in a square hole to me. Prime example of a change in systems and not having the right players. At this rate, we might all have to wait another year before he gets his first sack.

 

[treat88]

I don't recall his specific numbers from the combine, but if I remember correctly he showed great explosion and short range quickness.

If there is one DL that I think could break out and have a Mario Williams type second season impact it's Anderson. I don't know how the scheme will impact him, but he definitely has the talent.

 

[Rodhands]

I don't recall his specific numbers from the combine, but if I remember correctly he showed great explosion and short range quickness.If there is one DL that I think could break out and have a Mario Williams type second season impact it's Anderson. I don't know how the scheme will impact him, but he definitely has the talent.

as a falcons fan i respectfully disagreethe boy was a one year wonder at Arksanas, and whilst he looked the part i dont think he fits the idea of a NFL DE.With his size and burst IMO he is best suited as a TE, now whether he has the skill set for that or not i wouldnt know.If he does stay at DE expect decent tackle numbers but dont expect the sacks to be anything other than ordinary at best. They guy just isnt big enough to take on the Pace's and Ogden's of this world

 

[Rozelle]

I don't recall his specific numbers from the combine, but if I remember correctly he showed great explosion and short range quickness.

If there is one DL that I think could break out and have a Mario Williams type second season impact it's Anderson. I don't know how the scheme will impact him, but he definitely has the talent.

as a falcons fan i respectfully disagreethe boy was a one year wonder at Arksanas, and whilst he looked the part i dont think he fits the idea of a NFL DE.

With his size and burst IMO he is best suited as a TE, now whether he has the skill set for that or not i wouldnt know.

If he does stay at DE expect decent tackle numbers but dont expect the sacks to be anything other than ordinary at best. They guy just isnt big enough to take on the Pace's and Ogden's of this world

With the way he was used last year, it was hard to get much of a read on Anderson. He's not only learning how to be a NFL DE, but learning how to play DE ... period. As far as development, Anderson should have stayed in school another year, though finacially, he probably made the right move. He was raw, and drafted high basically for his potential, it was no secret he needed some coaching and may take some time to develop (technique and such). I was guilty of ignoring his shorcomings and expecting too much from him as a rookie. He'll be a DE, I think that suits him just fine, it will just require some patience, he's only 22. It may be his 3rd or 4th season before you really know what you have with him, but I look for him to make strides this year, and show some flashes.

Size isn't an issue, he has good size, most all scouting reports I've read says he has the frame to get even bigger, so he could probably play in the 290+ range if needed. I think he's plenty big enough.