When Derek Anderson was being considered as a pro prospect, I thought there was no way he could make it as a pro.
I first saw him play when he was a high school senior. His undefeated, Scappoose, Oregon team played the undefeated high school of my town. Though our coach used all kinds of coverages and bliztes during the game, Anderson shredded our secondary for over 300 passing yards and the win!
Anderson went down the highway to college at Oregon State. He became a starter during his sophomore year. At 6'6" and 235 lbs, he had excellent height and size. Furthermore, he had a strong arm and was a very accurate passer.
His main drawback was his immobility. He was slow of foot and could not evade the blitz. As a kid, he wore size 17 shoes by the time he was 10! Opposing teams quickly learned the most effective way to corral Anderson was to send in their linebackers and an occassional safety to blitz. Anderson usually either had to throw the ball away or be sacked.
In addition, Anderson had a tendency to focus in on his primary receiver rather than switch to a secondary receiver.
Because of his poor running skills, I did not think Anderson had much of a chance to make it in the NFL.
Baltimore drafted him in the 6th round. He was cut that September. Cleveland picked him up and he sat on the bench for most of his first 2 years in the pros.
This year, Anderson beat out Charlie Frye as well as draftee Brady Quinn for the starting job. He has exceeded all expectations, especially mine! In addition, Anderson has actually ran for a couple of touchdowns! Maybe he hired some form of speed coach to improve his running ability.
The time may come in the future where the Browns believe they have to start Quinn because of his enormous contract. If Anderson chooses to become a Free Agent, would you want TT to sign him?
I first saw him play when he was a high school senior. His undefeated, Scappoose, Oregon team played the undefeated high school of my town. Though our coach used all kinds of coverages and bliztes during the game, Anderson shredded our secondary for over 300 passing yards and the win!
Anderson went down the highway to college at Oregon State. He became a starter during his sophomore year. At 6'6" and 235 lbs, he had excellent height and size. Furthermore, he had a strong arm and was a very accurate passer.
His main drawback was his immobility. He was slow of foot and could not evade the blitz. As a kid, he wore size 17 shoes by the time he was 10! Opposing teams quickly learned the most effective way to corral Anderson was to send in their linebackers and an occassional safety to blitz. Anderson usually either had to throw the ball away or be sacked.
In addition, Anderson had a tendency to focus in on his primary receiver rather than switch to a secondary receiver.
Because of his poor running skills, I did not think Anderson had much of a chance to make it in the NFL.
Baltimore drafted him in the 6th round. He was cut that September. Cleveland picked him up and he sat on the bench for most of his first 2 years in the pros.
This year, Anderson beat out Charlie Frye as well as draftee Brady Quinn for the starting job. He has exceeded all expectations, especially mine! In addition, Anderson has actually ran for a couple of touchdowns! Maybe he hired some form of speed coach to improve his running ability.
The time may come in the future where the Browns believe they have to start Quinn because of his enormous contract. If Anderson chooses to become a Free Agent, would you want TT to sign him?


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