2015 NFL Draft: Dres Anderson Scouting Report

Utah WR Dres Anderson provides a very interesting 2015 NFL Draft prospect to break down. Here’s a full scouting report to get you ready for his pre-draft process.

STRENGTHS

Anderson shows phenomenal acceleration in his game. It doesn’t take very long for Anderson to reach top speed. Watch this play against Stanford — he catches the ball five yards deep in the backfield, but quickly accelerates and beats the defense to the first down marker.

Anderson also shows the ability to be elusive in the open field; he uses his speed and quickness to get away from pursuing defenders.

Here’s another play that highlights these abilities.

Anderson also shows the ability to track the ball deep down the field, and shows great body control on deep throws.

Here’s the same play from a different angle.

Anderson is an underrated route runner as well. He’s aware of where defenders are in their zone and finds the soft spots in coverage. When the defense decides to play man coverage, he is often too fast for opposing corners. Defenses consistently have to keep a safety over top, just in case he burns corners deep down the field.

Dres Anderson is also a willing blocker. He’s never going to be in the Anquan Boldin category in terms of wide receiver blocking, but he gives enough effort to get in the way of defenders to give ball-carriers a little more space to move.

WEAKNESSES

Anderson suffered a season-ending knee injury in late October that caused him to miss the rest of the season. He’s going to have to check out medically and run well in his workouts leading up to the draft to alleviate concerns about his knee.

Anderson could also stand to bulk up a little to withstand the punishment he’s going to receive at the next level. He unofficially weighs 190 pounds, but is 6’2″. If he can gain weight without losing speed, it could help the longevity of his NFL career.

DRAFT STOCK

If Anderson didn’t sustain the knee injury, I would place him as a top-100 prospect and a potential Day Two selection. With in the injury, he’ll probably fall to the 5th or 6th round.

PLAYER COMPARISON

Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins