According to NFL.com, Indianapolis Colts rookie defensive end Henry Anderson is in their Top 10 for “Rookie of the Year Watch”. This year’s 3rd round pick out of Stanford has been a revelation defensively and possesses the early makings of a future star.
While Anderson is last on their list at number 10, he’s certainly not least given his significant impact along the Colts defensive line:
"10. Henry Anderson, Indianapolis Colts defensive end: The Colts’ defense is allowing just 3.7 yards per carry this year after being trampled for 4.3 yards per carry in 2014. Anderson and fifth-round nose tackle David Parry are the biggest reasons for the improvement."
Through 3 starts, the 6’6″, 300 pound Anderson has 15 tackles and a sack. However, his presence has been felt far more than routine statistics.
According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), Anderson has been awarded a +5.6 advanced grade overall, which is the 8th best among all 3-4 defensive ends in football. Specifically, his +5.2 grade overall against the run is the 3rd best at his aforementioned position.
Having lost Arthur Jones to a season-ending ankle injury, Anderson has stepped in admirably and the defensive line really hasn’t lost a beat all things considered. If Anderson is supposed to play like a rookie, he must’ve not gotten the memo, as he looks every bit of the part of seasoned veteran:
No rookie has as many defensive stops against the run through 3 weeks than Colts Henry Anderson with 11
— PFF (@PFF) September 29, 2015
Henry Anderson is 3rd in the NFL with 5 TFL, trails only Aaron Donald, J.J. Watt, and Michael Bennett.
— Stephen Andress (@StephenAndress1) September 29, 2015
While it’s still too early to annoint Anderson as the 2nd coming of the late great Reggie White, it’s clear that he’s already making a significant impact as a rookie starting at defensive end. The scary part is that his best football is likely still yet to come, which bodes well for his future playing career as a Colt.
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