Can Sunny Anderson shine in the Talented EDGE Room?

With OTAs opening across the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks will open training camp at the VMAC in just over two months, officially kicking off the first season under new coach Mike Macdonald.

In preparation for the new season ahead, we’ll break down each member of the Seahawks’ 90-man roster over the coming weeks, dive into schemes, explore best and worst case scenarios, and predict what to expect from each incoming player in the season. 2024 campaign.

Coming out of FCS program Grambling State, can Sundiata Anderson capitalize on his $100,000 guaranteed money and make the 53-man roster?

A multi-sport athlete in high school while also being selected to the all-county first team, Anderson received several offers, including a Power 5 scholarship offer from Georgia Tech before choosing Grambling State. Anderson spent six years at Grambling State, playing in 33 total games, including 21 in his final two seasons. To close out his college career, he provided steady production for the Tigers with 110 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks along with four forced fumbles, two passes defended and a blocked kick. Undrafted, the Seahawks signed him as a priority free agent after the conclusion of the seventh round.

After spending the majority of his time at Grambling State standing tall with 375 of his 513 snaps as a defensive end in 2023, Anderson should remain in the same role at the next level, especially with his size at 6-3, 239 pounds. This will fit well with how Mike Macdonald likes to use his passers in a 3-4 hybrid scheme. Being versatile will be a major advantage for Anderson to make a statement, as will his hand usage and ability to gain depth at the arc.

The edge rusher position is relatively defined for Seattle with four veteran contributors returning, but there is an opening for Anderson if he can outperform several other undrafted rookies at the position in the preseason. There should be plenty more opportunities during the preseason to get going at the front, with the top four players likely to see minimal snaps and if Anderson capitalizes, he has an outside shot at a spot in the list.

Under 240 pounds with no high-level athleticism, Anderson doesn’t have great play strength and that could seriously limit his impact on the field. Not holding up well against the run and failing to provide consistent passing production, he could easily be cut before training camp or midway through the preseason.

Anderson is a truly intriguing player, as there is a lot to like about him from a technical and athletic standpoint. But the lack of play strength and overall size is a concern as a 3-4 outside linebacker. Getting out on the field and participating in an NFL strength and conditioning program will answer the question of whether this can be solved long term.

With that in mind, Anderson is a candidate for Seattle’s practice squad and potentially the 53-man roster if he shows up during training camp and the preseason. With the $100,000 in guaranteed money the Seahawks gave him, it’s a signal that they believe in him as a player, which could lead to more opportunities over the next few months to show what he can offer Macdonald’s unit as a potential developmental hedge.

Previous rallies of 90 men

Buddha Jones | Devin Richardson | TaMerik Williams | Rason Williams II | Ro Torrence | Nathan Pickering | Dee Williams | Devere Levelston | Kobe Lewis