2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Anthony, DE, Grambling St
If you followed me from my old stomping grounds, then you know this is the time of year when scouting reports become a major focus. Also, you also probably remember small school guys getting a lot of love. Considering the Jaguars have took 4 FCS players in last year’s draft, it definitely makes sense to once again feature alot of under the radar guys.
It only makes sense then to start off with a FCS guy who most haven’t heard of. Christian Anthony was expected to make a strong statement in 2010. He was considering one of, if not the, best NFL prospect in the FCS. He was the returning SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and on the watch list for the Buck Buchanan Award (Best FCS Defensive Player.) Think Austen Lane but with more polish to him. Then, in August, Anthony suffered a mild heart attack and was forced to sit out the entire year.
Anthony did manage to get an invitation to the NFLPA (formerly the Texas vs The Nation) game. From practice report, he was able to show off some of his natural skill, but was definitely rusty and still needing to get into football shape. Still, is he worth a late round gamble?
Christian Anthony By The Numbers
Postion: 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 265 lbs
Season Team TOT SOL AST TFL SK FF INT BK TD
2007 Grambling 57 31 26 14 6 6 0 0 0
2008 Grambling 55 37 18 17 8 1 2 0 1
2009 Grambling 76 55 21 15 8 5 5 0 2
Totals 188 123 65 46 22 12 7 0 3
PROS: Very athletic with a solid repertoire of moves, great closing speed and body control, team captain, plays with a chip on his shoulder, plays “violently”,played well against BCS level competition (12 tackles, 11 solo, 1 sack vs Russell Okung in 2009)
CONS: Struggles going head on vs blockers, he is something of an ultimate tweener as he’ll need to add about 10 lbs to be an every down 4-3 end or lose 10 lbs to be an effective 3-4 OLB, on top of the heart attack he tired out late in games often
VIDEO KILLED THE SCOUTING REPORT
Final Thoughts: In the end, Anthony is still a very intriguing player. He was getting comparison’s to Austen Lane before his heart attack and they were warranted. However, due to missing a year, Anthony is at best a late round flyer/priority UDFA at this point.
