Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: DL Henry Anderson

After a rocky stint with the Indianapolis Colts, defensive end Henry Anderson hopes to solidify his spot with the New York Jets during the 2018 season.

Henry Anderson was sent over to the New York Jets on April 28th, better known as Day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft. In exchange for a 7th round pick (235th overall), the Jets acquired Anderson. The deal was a low-risk, high-reward play with not much left that late in the draft.

Anderson’s biggest question mark is his injury problems. Anderson suffered ACL injuries in both of his first two years in the league. He looks to rebound in some sort of role with the Jets in 2018.

2017 SEASON REVIEW

Anderson’s 2017 season was cut short during Week 9 against the Houston Texans. He suffered a gruesome throat injury that cut his ability to speak, and it caused major pain. He has also suffered ACL injuries in the past.

Prior to his injury, Anderson recorded 22 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. These may seem underwhelming, but Anderson was coming to life just before his injury. He recorded two sacks, 13 tackles, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal in just his final three games of the season.

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2018 SEASON OUTLOOK

The Jets plan to involve Anderson in the rotation in 2018. He will likely not be an every-down player, but he would ideally appear in typical run situations. He almost acts as a replacement to the forgotten Muhammad Wilkerson as a 3-4 defensive end. Expect Nathan Shepherd to take that role sooner than later, though.

TRAINING CAMP PREDICTION

Anderson has a few must-haves on his training camp list. For starters, he has to avoid injury. If he finds himself sidelined, his spot on the roster may or may not be up for grabs. That’s up to head coach Todd Bowles and what he sees in Anderson.

Secondly, Anderson needs to show up at the right weight. Anderson had been cutting down to fit into the Colts new 4-3 scheme. After the trade, he was told to move back to a 3-4 defensive end, basically demanding him to put on all the weight he lost over the offseason. He should be showing up weighing somewhere in the high 290 range.

Assuming Anderson stays healthy and takes care of his body, he should be a no-brainer for a spot on the 53-man roster. Not only a spot on the roster but a spot on the field as well.