Rory Anderson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for 49ers' Rookie

STRENGTHS

An athletic, moving tight end with eye-opening speed, Rory Anderson can keep defensive coordinators up at night. Anderson can stretch the field vertically and has the goods to take the top off the defense. He adjusts to the ball well and has high-pointing ability on jump balls. After the catch, he’s dangerous with the ball in his hands and moves more like a wide receiver than a tight end. Teams will love his versatility and the fact that he’s a mismatch with alignment flexibility. Anderson is a classic seam-buster at tight end.

WEAKNESSES

Injuries limited his career at South Carolina. In 2014 alone, he tore both triceps muscles, and he missed the season opener in 2013 with a hamstring injury. That led to just 19 starts for Anderson in college. He’s raw as a route-runner and so far wins with speed over body control. As a blocker he’s limited, and his 244-pound frame struggles to hold up at the point of attack. Durability issues aside, he has to get stronger to play in-line in the NFL. Anderson’s understanding of angles and leverage is poor in the blocking game.

2014 STATISTICS

Receptions: 22
Receiving Yards: 260
Touchdowns: 1

PRO COMPARISON: Virgil Green, Denver Broncos

A linear athlete with game-changing speed, Anderson compares very well to Virgil Green athletically but has higher potential as a prospect.

FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Quality Backup)