With the 2022 NFL Draft coming up in just a few weeks, we can expect passionate fans everywhere to want more information on the young athletes that will be joining the 32 different rosters. This year’s draft class is deep in many positions, such as edge rushers, wide receivers, cornerbacks, and linebackers, for instance. Even fair-weather fans know the top prospect names they see in the headlines like Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Devin Lloyd, Jameson Williams and Chris Olave.
Players like these guys have strong resumes in college and typically have solid NFL careers. However, every draft has proven that players from the smaller schools are more than capable of being franchise players in the NFL. I mean look at Antonio Brown, he was drafted in the sixth round out of Central Michigan. Players in the middle and end of the draft could have just as much upside as players in the first round, teams just have to find them.
The Steal of The Draft
Couple plays that really highlight Montana State LB Troy Andersen's athletic ability: great closing burst, ability to move laterally, and use his length to wrap tackle. His ten out of ten RAS at the combine is evident on film. pic.twitter.com/MnA3GA5XYy
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 28, 2022
Troy Andersen has the potential to be that kind of find in this year’s draft. A Swiss Army Knife type of player, Andersen went to Montana State in 2017. He started at running back to start his college career. He became the quickest freshman in school history to ever rush for 100 yards in a single game. In 2018, he started as a running back/quarterback. Next season, in 2019 he was a running back/linebacker. The following year, 2020 he became an outside linebacker. However, the team did not play a single game due to the pandemic. In Andersen’s final year at Montana State, he was listed strictly as a linebacker, nothing else.
In this role, Andersen thrived posting 150 TOT, 14 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 INT, and 1 TD. To put these stats into perspective, let’s take a look at Devin Lloyd’s 2021 stats. Keep in mind that Lloyd is one of the top talents in this draft class. He posted 111 TOT, 22 TFL, 7 sacks, 4 INT, and 2 TD in the 2021 season. Andersen had a ridiculous 67 stops in the 2021 season. This was still Andersen’s first full season at linebacker. As a result, Andersen was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and received an invitation to the NFL Draft Combine. At the combine, Troy Andersen leads all linebackers with a blazing 4.42 in the 40-yard dash.
Bottom Line
Andersen’s projection right now has him landing anywhere between late third or early fourth round. With more reps at the linebacker spot, there’s no telling what Andersen’s ceiling could be. One of the biggest weaknesses about him is his lack of experience at that position. With good coaching, the right scheme, and an opportunity to prove himself, all of that could change. Troy Andersen could be a diamond in the rough for any team willing to take a chance on him. Four different positions in four years will teach you a lot about both sides of the ball. Another reason why he could be a valuable asset to have, especially with his athleticism at his size.
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