'He Has the Skill Set': Falcons LB Troy Andersen Set for Breakout 2023
From the moment the Atlanta Falcons drafted linebacker Troy Andersen in the second-round of the 2022 NFL Draft, they knew he was in for a steep learning curve.
Andersen, who enjoyed a decorated college career at Montana State that featured several accolades on both sides of the ball, was viewed as one of the most intriguing prospects in last year's draft, offering an array of natural gifts headlined by his frame (6-4, 235 pounds) and speed (4.42 40-yard dash).
The 24-year-old Andersen earned high marks for his leadership, work ethic and football intelligence - but he was still viewed as something of a project.
Now over a year removed from being drafted and carrying 17 games of experience with him, Andersen will enter this season as a starter at linebacker - and with full belief from new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
"He has the skill set, he's big and I know talking with Troy, I'm excited about this particular player," Nielsen said. "There is definitely a place - he does a lot of things. His skill set allows him to do a lot of things that fit certain things that we want that position to do."
Andersen, drew five starts during his rookie year, logged 69 total tackles, three tackles for loss and a trio of quarterback hits while playing 43 percent of Atlanta's defensive snaps.
The Dillon, Mont., native "made a lot of progress" on and off the field as he grew more comfortable, per coach Arthur Smith. Given the opportunity to start each of the last four games, Andersen recorded 21 tackles and two quarterback hits while helping lead the middle of the Falcons' defense.
Andersen drew praise from Smith for his smarts, instincts and heavy hands, while Nielsen added that he's been "awesome" during the get-to-know-you phase leading into summer workouts.
Nielsen is expected to demand his linebackers be intelligent, rangy and have the ability to both attack downhill and cover in reverse - all of which Atlanta believes Andersen possesses.
Falcons inside linebackers coach Frank Bush noted he was happy with how Andersen developed down the stretch of 2022, saying he did a "tremendous job" while touting his size, natural talent and intelligence.
There's also the point that Atlanta's coaching staff has largely been spot-on with its evaluation of Andersen thus far. During the summer, much of the talk was about his eye-opening physical and athletic traits ... but the idea that he hadn't quite turned the corner remained prevalent.
Throughout the early to middle portion of Andersen's rookie season, comments shifted to reflect his progress and upside, and his snap counts mirrored public comments.
By year's end, aforementioned words like "tremendous" began more prominent and he was inserted into the starting lineup, showing the praise towards Andersen was legitimate as actions backed words.
Now, Andersen's arrow is pointing up - much like the rest of Atlanta's rebuilt defense, which includes the addition of former New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss to join him at the second level.
The conversation around Andersen moving forward will focus on how large of a step forward he can make ... but if his year-long development and the coaching staff's comments taught one lesson, it's that he has all of the traits to grow into a legitimate force - and is just now finding his footing to reach his immense upside.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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