Saints UDFA Profile: Nick Anderson

Undrafted and overlooked Green Wave defender brings many of the same traits into the NFL as a former New Orleans legend.

Tulane University had a historic football season in 2022. The Green Wave finished 12-2 and culminated their season with a 46-45 win over USC in the Cotton Bowl. They finished the year ranked Number 9, the second highest ranking in school history. 

As a result of their success, Tulane RB Tyjae Spears (Titans) and LB Dorian Williams (Bills) were both selected in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft.

The New Orleans Saints have drafted just seven Tulane players in their franchise history and none since 1982. Only two of those seven were selected before the since-eliminated 10th round. Just one of those seven, RB Marvin Lewis (6th round in 1982), ever played a game for the Saints. Lewis appeared in one game for New Orleans during the 1982 season. 

New Orleans didn't select a Tulane player in this year’s draft. However, an undrafted signing from the school has the skills to sweep his way onto the Saints roster.

LB - Nick Anderson 

Tulane 

5'10" 225-Lbs.

Tulane Green Wave linebacker Nick Anderson (1) takes on Houston Cougars tight end Christian Trahan (85). Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Lightly recruited out of high school, Anderson attended junior college before getting an opportunity with Tulane. He'd see light action during his freshman year of 2019, then finished second to Dorian Williams on the team in tackles (88) and stops for loss (10.5) while recording three sacks and 13 pressures. 

Anderson's tackle totals (56) dipped a bit in 2021 because he missed three contests. However, 9.5 of those were for loss and he'd have a career-high 4 sacks. His 113 stops (seven for loss) finished second only to Williams for the Green Wave in 2022. He also had five sacks with 27 pressures, broke up four passes, and recovered two fumbles. 

Not drafted primarily because of his height, Anderson is also on the lighter side. While stoutly built with decent strength, he could get overwhelmed by bigger run blockers. To overcome those limitations, he'll have to improve his ability to slip blocks.

A solid athlete, Anderson lacks elite speed to overcome his size shortcomings. He can get lost in traffic during pursuit and doesn't have the speed to outrun a poor angle if slow to disengage. 

Oklahoma Sooners running back Eric Gray (0) runs with the ball as Tulane Green Wave linebacker Nick Anderson (1) defends. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Anderson has terrific instincts and awareness.  He's rarely out of position and reads blocks extremely well to get to the ball. This makes him a dangerous pass rusher on timed blitzes and a productive defender against the run. 

Against the run, Anderson patiently sifts through congestion to the ball. He stays disciplined in his assignments, has excellent vision to spot open creases to runners, and never slows in sideline-to-sideline pursuit. 

In coverage, Anderson has the fluid change-of-direction to stay with backs out of the backfield and adequate speed to cover tight ends down the field. Anderson is active in zone responsibilities and reads quarterbacks decisively to make a play on the ball.

In 1981, every NFL team thought a linebacker named Sam Mills was too small and too slow to even make a roster. After starring in the USFL, Mills caught on with the Saints and was an integral part of the Dome Patrol on his way to an eventual spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

Tulane Green Wave linebacker Nick Anderson (1) hits Mississippi Rebels running back Henry Parrish Jr. (25). Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY

It's obviously ridiculous to compare Nick Anderson to the great Sam Mills before he's ever played a snap. However, the undersized Anderson brings many of those same traits to the game and plays with the same ferocious intensity.

As an undrafted rookie, he'll have an uphill climb just to make the roster. With Anderson's outstanding instincts and versatility, he could be a factor as a weakside linebacker and make every team regret passing him up because of his size.