NFL Draft Profile: MJ Anderson, EDGE, Iowa State Cyclones
In this story:
MJ Anderson
Iowa State Cyclones
#3
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6025
Wt: 269
Hand: 0928
Arm: 3368
Wing: 8200
DOB: 1/15/2001
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Christian Brothers College
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liners
An undersized edge rusher, Anderson does have inside/outside versatility, but he struggled to generate pressure against the better offensive linemen he faced.
Evaluation:
In Iowa State’s defense, Anderson lines up as a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-technique. His best position at the next level will be as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end but he could kick inside on 3rd downs and rush the passer. Anderson possesses solid length and has a filled out frame. His play strength is adequate but he isn’t overly effective with his bull rush. He lacks a pass rush plan and tries to rely on average traits to win reps. The Iowa 3-3-5 scheme hurts him but Anderson just doesn’t have many redeeming traits as a rusher. He lacks an explosive first step and bend. Anderson struggles to corner, so his best chance to win as a rusher will be as a power rusher. His play strength and explosion just isn’t good enough for him to be a consistent penetrator, though. As a run defender, Anderson plays with good leverage to uproot tackles and shed their block. He can set the edge but lacks the closing burst to make plays laterally at times. Anderson made enough plays in the run game but he isn’t a high-end run defender. Overall, Anderson doesn’t have enough upside to warrant being anything more than a late three pick. He was a solid all-around college player, who doesn’t have ideal size or traits. His solid play, especially down the stretch, should give him a chance in an NFL training camp.
Grade:
UDFA
Background:
This season at Iowa State, Anderson played in all 12 games, making five starts. He finished with 37 tackles and tied for second on the team with 3.5 sacks. He also tallied 9.0 tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery and one quarterback hurry. At Minnesota, he played in 15 games in his career. Redshirted in 2019 and competed the last two seasons, seeing action in 10 games in 2021. Over his time at Minnesota, he registered seven tackles, one sack, two pass breakups, and two QB hurries. In high school, he was a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals.
