PLAYER PROFILE: Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa

Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock (USA Today Sports)

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A huge three-year contributor at Iowa, Anthony Nelson is as physically imposing height-wise as any pass-rushing prospect at 6-foot-7. He improved his sack and tackle numbers each year at Iowa while getting between 600-700 snaps. Won Academic All-Big Ten and All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Tallied 23 sacks, four forced fumbles and seven passes defended in his three-year career. Between his height, wingspan and vertical, could be a batted-passes machine in the NFL. Tested great in every area but strength, showing he’s not slowed by his massive frame. Certainly not the traditional edge-rusher mold but has the production and measurables to back it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7uDJPSFuA

Size

6-7, 271 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 4.82 seconds (4th at position)
Bench: 18 reps (2nd worst at position)
Vertical: 35.5 inches (4th at position)
Broad jump: 118 inches (T3rd at position)
3-cone drill: 6.95 seconds (1st at position)
20-yard shuttle: 4.23 seconds (2nd at position)

What the analysts say

“Anthony Nelson has impressive tape and eye-popping physical traits, but his athletic limitations are evident enough as a pass rusher that you wonder where the full-time fit is for him in the NFL. Despite his lack of explosiveness (very average first step) and bend (tight in the hips), Nelson still manages to corner at an impressive rate against college competition due to a wonderful bevy of rush moves off the edge.” – Jon Ledyard, The Draft Network

“Promising 4-3 defensive end prospect with outstanding length, good quickness and a play motor that keeps humming from snap to snap. Nelson needs to add play strength and learn to leverage his length to unlock his intriguing potential as a pass rusher. Teams could be tempted to play him inside in odd fronts, but he might not have the strength or physicality to handle that early on. His areas of concern are mostly correctable for a traits-based prospect with the potential for rapid improvement as a future starter.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

What PFF says

-18th in pass-rush productivity
-35th in run-stop percentage

Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

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