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How Ryan Anderson can contribute to NY Giants’ this season

By John Esposito

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball under pressure from Washington Football Team outside linebacker Ryan Anderson (Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) fumbles the ball under pressure from Washington Football Team outside linebacker Ryan Anderson (Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Former Washington linebacker Ryan Anderson is an intriguing addition to the NY Giants’ front-seven, alongside Blake Martinez 

The NY Giants went into the offseason wanting, more or less needing pass rushers.  They came out with an abundance, including former division rival Ryan Anderson.

During the NFL Draft, the Giants selected Ajeez Olujari, who has a legitimate opportunity to contribute immediately, and also drafted Elerson Smith who can be a talent with a little more coaching.

Even before that draft the NY Giants used free agency to sure up that position with signing Ifeadi Odenigbo from Minnesota and Ryan Anderson from rival Washington.

While Odenigbo has garnered the under the radar pick up talk, I think Ryan Anderson should get just as much.

Considered by many as a draft bust, he was selected by the Washington Football Team in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft; Anderson signed with the NY Giants for one year worth $1.12 million.  It is a veteran minimum contract and qualified for a benefit cap hit, which of course helps the Giants financially.

Anderson had his best NFL year in 2019 with Washington recording 44 tackles, 4 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles.  He struggled when Washington moved to 4-3 defense the following year.  Coming to the Giants, DC Patrick Graham is hoping the 3-4 defense he runs could spark that type of stat season for Anderson.

Anderson is a strong run defender, at 6’2 he is a bit small, but still strong enough to play as a pass rusher. He does not have a great repertoire of pass rush moves to beat top tier lineman, but can beat tight ends if lined up that way.  While not the most athletic of linebackers, he will drop into coverage if needed and not be a total liability.

This is the great thing about the Anderson signing.  He does not need to be a superstar on this team.  He does not need to start for this defense.  What he brings is depth in a position that always needs it.  He brings good special teams skills and an love for the game that makes him go out every day and play his hardest.

It certainly takes talent to win games, but if you do not have players like Ryan Anderson somewhere on your team, it makes it a lot harder in todays NFL.

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