Rodney Anderson’s Injury-Plagued College Career May Scare Teams Away But His Upside Is Impressive.

Rodney Anderson, RB

School: Oklahoma | Conference: Big 12

College Experience: Redshirt Junior | Age: 21

Height / Weight: 6-1 / 220 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 5th or 6th round

NFL Comparison: Alfred Blue, Houston Texans

College Statistics

Player Overview

Coming from 6A Division II Katy High School in Texas, Rodney Anderson was a consensus four-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals, and Scout. Unfortunately for Anderson, three of the four years he played for the Sooners, he missed significant time due to injury and was only able to play in his redshirt sophomore season fully. Rushing for over 1,000 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, and 18 total touchdowns, Anderson earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors and honorable mention for All-Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year.

Strengths

• Anderson plays to his size, which is a good sign of him translating well to a pro running back. He possesses a lot of power as a runner and has the ability to deliver big blows or gain extra yards after contact.
• Anderson is a very good pass catcher, can be utilized in multiple offensive looks or on any down.
• Agile and Balance is a plus for his size.
• Vision is impressive.

Weaknesses

• Durability is the number one concern. Anderson only played more than three games in a season once.
• Pass catching is one of his fortes, but not great as a blocker. Big part of playing on third down involves being able to pass-protect, one of which he struggles in.
• Not a very patient or decisive runner at times, providing inconsistency, and will struggle in open-field to make defenders miss.

Let’s see his work (#24 RB)

Oklahoma at Kansas 2017:

TCU at Oklahoma 2017:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Anderson’s college profile leads me to believe he would fit the role of what running back Byron Marshall is expected to be for Washington. Marshall is capable of being a return man on special teams as well; so we are not talking special teams specifically for Anderson. Anderson has the capability of spelling both Chris Thompson and Derrius Guice; however, Anderson will have to improve his skills and effort as a pass-blocker, which can happen. Unlike Thompson, Anderson will have the capability of being inserted into short down and distances with the ability to effectively run in-between the tackles. That is how he will fit with the Redskins; however, I believe his potential will not be immediately seen in his first pro season (or even second). Anderson has to continue to develop as a running back to be molded into the likes of a Kenyan Drake, Jay Ajayi, or even T.J. Yeldon. Anderson’s hands are already more impressive than his NFL comparison, Alfred Blue, but with the proper tutelage, Anderson can become a premier spell back within his first four seasons.