Mark Anderson
DRE / Chicago Bears
Height: 6-4¼; Weight: 254; Speed: 4.64

Notes: After being selected in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Mark Anderson led all rookies in sacks from a situational pass-rush role, notching 48 tackles, 12 sacks and three other tackles for loss with four forced fumbles and finished second in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Replaced Alex Brown in the starting lineup in '07 and started the first 14 games before suffering a season-ending knee injury, racking up 36-5-5, as the "D" collectively regressed under new coordinator Bob Babich. Moved back to a part-time rotational role in '08 and finished with 21-1-3. Splitting time with Alex Brown, Anderson has recorded seven tackles and one sack through three games in '09.

Positives: Very light on his feet with long arms and a rangy, athletic build. Has a lot of spring in his legs with exceptional first-step quickness to explode upfield off the ball — consistently is the first player to move at the snap. Bends low to the ground, has very active hands and good closing speed to the quarterback. Drops into coverage and is a fluid mover, capable of matching up with tight ends in man coverage. Motor runs hard and he consistently flattens down the line of scrimmage and chases from the backside.

Negatives: Does not possess a repertoire of pass-rush moves or counters and too easily is stymied if he does not win with quickness at the snap. Is a bit high-hipped with limited play strength against the run — is too easily sealed and controlled. Could do a better job sinking his hips and anchoring and could improve his overall base strength. Not physical.

Summary: A very lean, athletic edge rusher who worked out like a phenom at the Combine and posted a D-line best 42-inch vertical jump but still slid to the fifth round because of questions about his toughness and overall durability, having been slowed by nagging injuries early in his career. Excelled as a change-of-pace pass rusher under defensive coordinator Ron Rivera in the Bears' Super Bowl run, but Anderson struggled mightily when he was promoted to a full-time role over the more stout Alex Brown in his second season. Has proven best in a situational pass-rush role, where he can pin his ears back and use his exceptional first-step quickness to crash the corner. 

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