Will Ryder Anderson Be Able to Defend His Roster Spot?

Ryder Anderson, Defensive Line

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 276 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 7 / GS 2. 8 tackles (4 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits, 2 sacks

Ryder Anderson stepped onto the NFL scene in May 2022 when, after going undrafted, the New York Giants gave him a chance in training camp. He was originally waived before joining the practice squad but earned two elevations in Weeks 6 and 7 for the Giants’ wins over Baltimore and Jacksonville.

Before coming to New York, Anderson originally committed to Ole Miss, where he played for three seasons and accumulated 98 tackles, 15 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

In early 2021, he entered the transfer portal and played his senior year with the University of Indiana. His second stint took his career totals to 147 tackles, 22.5 for a loss, 9.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles and helped his case for consideration at the NFL Draft.

Anderson was promoted to the active roster towards the end of the 2022 season and contributed to pressure packages along the edge. He returns to a defensive line room packed with productive competitors that will make it difficult for him to earn his keep in Year 2 with the Giants. It seems more realistic that he will be a rotational piece along the front line, and he could earn more snaps if injuries mount during the season.

Best Case Scenario

Anderson didn’t earn much playing time last fall. However, he is just one of three defensive ends listed on the Giants’ roster, with the headliner being veteran Leonard Williams.

What helps Anderson's case is the health and production he had at the collegiate level, where he posted solid statistics behind the line of scrimmage that were maintained even when he switched schools. He could be a durable asset to an important role in the defense, which is much needed for a Giants team that has yet to figure out how to shake off the injury bug.

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has developed a reputation for turning under-the-radar players into playmakers in his high-intensity defensive system. Perhaps Anderson will be his next apprentice with additional time on the playing field.

Worst Case Scenario

Anderson will have to compete in what's suddenly become a crowded defensive line room that added veterans Rakeem Nunez-Roches and A'Shawn Robinson and rookie seventh-rounder Jordon Riley to a mix that is also going to welcome back D.J. Davidson at some point.

That means there’s a solid chance there might not be a spot for Anderson on the 53-man roster. Anderson could slip behind all of them on the depth chart and remain an occasional substitution player that gives the starters a breather on late down snaps, but it might take some injuries for him to slide up the depth chart.

What to Expect in 2023

It's hard to imagine Ryder Anderson stepping onto the scene from Week 1 and being one of the dominant forces in the Giants defense in 2023. He was very active in college, but he has many talented playmakers to compete with who will fill up the starting spots quickly in training camp.

Last year, Anderson proved he could run, but his game was also very raw. He had no answers at the point of attack, which needs to change. Hopefully, he spent this past off-season getting stronger so that the new strength, combined with his experience in the defense, allows him to play faster, even if it's just for a spot on the practice squad.