Report: Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson to meet with Cardinals
Apr 13, 2017, 8:16 AM | Updated: 3:10 pm
Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) runs into the end zone for a touchdown with Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) against Washington after an interception during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football playoff game, Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Another day, another report of a 2017 draft prospect meeting with the Arizona Cardinals.
This time, it’s a linebacker with championship experience.
Alabama outside linebacker Ryan Anderson has an upcoming private workout for the Arizona Cardinals, per a source. Has worked out for Texans
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 13, 2017
Anderson played in all 15 of the Crimson Tide’s games in 2016 and led the defense with 19 tackles for loss and was second with nine sacks. For good measure, the Daphne, Alabama native added 10 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and one interception.
In last season’s College Football Playoff Championship loss to Clemson, Anderson had seven total tackles, two tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
In the national semifinal against Washington, Anderson had a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown that gave Alabama a 17-7 lead late in the second quarter. They’d go on to win 24-7.
Anderson stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at a stout 253 pounds and could be seen by the Cardinals as a linebacker to plug into a rotation to replace Kevin Minter, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals last month.
He didn’t do much at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, but clocked a 4.78 40-yard time.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay projected Anderson to be a third-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens (74th overall).
