Green Bay Packers NFL Draft: Top 5 defensive line targets

Stanford Cardinal defensive end Henry Anderson (91) sacks Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10). Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. Henry Anderson, Stanford

Stanford Cardinal defensive end Henry Anderson (91). Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Henry Anderson is one of my favorite players in this draft and a guy you can’t help but like once you watch him on film.

The 6-foot-6, 295-pound defensive end is a hard-nosed player who goes all out on every single play. He has the length and size to hold the point of attack on the edge against the run, while also possessing the power to drive linemen back and close the pocket.

Despite being too tall to be considered at nose tackle, Anderson is the ideal fit for the Packers’ five-tech defensive end position. This is what Anderson played at Stanford. He could be what Green Bay envisioned for Datone Jones when they drafted him in the first round.

Green Bay could use more defensive linemen in base that can hold up well against the run.

However, Anderson also brings a lot as a pass rusher. He led Stanford in sacks with 8.5 as a senior last season. He spent a lot of snaps in college as one of the two down linemen in the Cardinal nickel look, which is a similar defense to what Green Bay likes to run.

Anderson would be a great value pick in the second or third rounds. His fit in the 3-4 may cause him to drop, so the Packers could get him later than he’s project to go.

*Other Considerations: Michael Bennett, Marcus Hardison, Arik Armstead

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