Now that the last game of the 2023 NFL season and the NFL Combine has come to a conclusion, the entire NFL is in full-blown offseason mode. As both the Steelers, as well as we here at the Steel Curtain Network, prepare for the start of the 2024 league years and the associated free agency period, as well as the 2024 NFL draft, it’s good before we get too far into the process of looking at next season to look back at some various things from the 2023 Steelers.

After finishing up the Exit Interviews article series of covering every player from the 2023 Steelers and their status for 2024, another fun idea was to check out last year‘s rookie class and what was said about them before the 2023 NFL draft. With all the analysis looking at 2024, sometimes it’s fun just to see how much those profiling players got things right, or wrong.

Finishing up the Steelers draft class of 2023, here are some of the various draft breakdowns for offensive lineman Spencer Anderson last offseason heading into the 2023 NFL draft.

Pro Football Network

Full report HERE

Spencer Anderson Current Draft Projection

According to Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Anderson has a UDFA grade. This does not mean he will go undrafted. Many things impact what happens to a prospect on draft night. This year, many teams are desperate for center help, and a run on the position could push certain players up the board.

For Anderson, his Relative Athletic Score of 9.37 is considered “great.” He has good size for the position, even if he is a little undersized relative to his weight. He played tackle in college and played at a much lighter weight than what he measured at the Combine. His speed was considered great, and he had a good 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash.

NFL.com

Full report HERE

Overview

Versatile interior offensive line prospect with starting experience at guard, center and tackle. Anderson has the size but is missing the length to play tackle, where he looks most at ease in pass protection. He will likely enter camp as a center/guard prospect with below-average athletic traits as a move blocker and a lack of drive power when firing out. The versatility is a plus, but he will need to shine as either a run blocker or pass protector to make a team.

Strengths

• Possesses broad upper and lower body with good thickness.
• Versatility to play a variety of positions along the offensive line.
• Intelligent communicator up front.
• Fits up base blocks with balanced, centered strike.
• Rarely loses focus on his job against twists/blitzes.
• Independent hands allow him to punch, reset and punch again.

Weaknesses

• Feet look heavy getting to lateral blocks.
• Doesn’t feature much knockback pop when pulling.
• Inconsistent footwork when slide-protecting.
• Tendency to lose balance due to narrow base.
• Missing necessary length to redirect rushers who find his edge.

NFL Draft Buzz

Full report HERE

SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS

• In the run game, Anderson explodes off the line of scrimmage and consistently gets out to the second level to do damage.
• Consistently keeps his feet sliding while maintaining power when dealing with speed, often sending speed rushers flying past the pocket
• Attacks his man, playing with a wide base and the lateral agility to mirror, sustain and shuffle to help inside. Has the size, strength and quick feet to be effective as a position run-blocker.
• Has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what’s coming. Effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. Can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target.
• Exhibits good patience in pass protection, sitting back in his set rather than leaning and lunging.
• He’s a coordinated athlete who can win at the point of attack in the run game, and he can also move to consistently land blocks at the second level.

SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES

• While Anderson moves well in the run game, he’s not an elite athlete and doesn’t have the potential to stick at left tackle in the NFL.
• Whiffs on blocks after beaten initially and lacks range and lateral quickness. Plays too high and without proper leverage, pad level and can be passive.
• Anderson often plays too high with an inconsistent kick slide.

So there are some of the draft profiles for Spencer Anderson last year ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. Since we didn’t see much of Anderson last season (2 offensive snaps, 26 special teams), do these assessments change your expectations for Anderson this season? Please make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below.