2017 NFL Draft: Grading The Washington Redskins Day Two Selections
Round 2, Pick 17: OLB Ryan Anderson, Alabama
This is a bit of a difficult pick to grade. Ryan Anderson is a perfect fit for the Washington Redskins defense. He fits their philosophy very well, and is similar to the other rush linebacker prospects that they have taken in the past. The team had an obvious need at the position thanks to the suspension of Trent Murphy and the complete unreliability of Junior Galette.
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That said, Anderson was a bit of a reach at the No. 49 overall pick. I had always viewed Anderson as a bit more of a third round prospect, and had actually most recently mocked him to the Redskins in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Additionally, there were some better players on the board, including highly athletic UConn safety Obi Melifonwu and productive Vanderbilt linebacker Zach Cunningham.
Still, Anderson is going to be an immediate impact player for the Redskins. He has a chance to start across from Ryan Kerrigan, as he possesses solid athletic ability. Anderson does lack in length, and his career high in single season sacks is only eight, but he makes up for those facts with his terrific motor and work ethic.
At the end of the day, Anderson looks like he will be a solid fit with the Redskins. They still selected him a bit too early, but he should fill a need and be a weapon for Greg Manusky’s defense.