Prospect Film Study: ILB Stephone Anthony a fit in Green Bay?

Georgia Bulldogs running back Keith Marshall (4) carries the ball while being defended by Clemson Tigers linebacker Stephone Anthony. Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports photograph

Play Against the Run

Anthony is a physical run defender, but the best parts of his game are his ability to quickly read and react to plays and his short area burst to close in on ball carriers and make a play.

This first clip is a big play Anthony made against Florida State last year to open the game.

It really demonstrates his ability to run sideline-to-sideline and make plays outside of the tackles – a trait desirable for any inside linebacker in the NFL.

Watch how Anthony quickly diagnoses this play, turns on the jets, and then wraps up the back behind the line of scrimmage for a loss.

On film, Anthony makes at least a handful of these type of plays each game. His quick burst and ability in pursuit would complement any defense, but would especially be a welcome sight for a Packers club that struggled against the run last year.

The Packers didn’t have enough of these type of plays from their inside linebackers, and their defense suffered for it.

However, Anthony’s game as a run defender goes well beyond his ability in pursuit. He also makes plenty of plays between the tackles.

Next: Anthony's ability to fill the gap