In the run-up to camp, let's break down the biggest additions to the Patriots, first with the veteran free agents and then the top draft picks. We'll provide strengths, weaknesses, injury history, film analysis, fit projection and the bottom line of the signings.
Previous
TALE OF THE TAPE
Guard at Texas (transfer from Rice, where he was a LT)
6-4.5
292 pounds at pro day
33 arms
9.5 hands
30 bench
5.31 40
1.77 10 yards
Undrafted in 2019. Signed by the Patriots and waived after about two weeks.
Father, DeVry Anderson, played college football at Army. He is a physician and ordained minister.
THEY SAID IT
“He’s another guy, in this system, who has really been able to show off his athleticism. And you’ve seen it, man. We had a couple plays (during Tuesday’s padded practice) that were absolutely phenomenal where Calvin was at the point of attack. When things like (Billy Turner’s absence) happens, it gives another guy an opportunity to get all those reps. He’s developing, learning and buying in, and I really appreciate all he’s been able to do.” - Former Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett, last year.
RELEVANT STATS (via PFF)
2022 Season
PLAYER STRENGTHS
Looks the part. Has enough height, length and athletic ability to play either tackle spot. None of those traits are ideal. He's slightly undersized. He was light coming out of college but has put on some good weight. He looks solidly built on film. ... Very smart player on film. Aware of what's going on around him, can adjust to curveballs from the defense, knows how to deal with twists and stunts. ... Good enough athlete to man either spot. Flashes some good initial burst off the line. Appears to be tough. ... Does a solid job on run double teams and getting to the second level.
WEAKNESSES
Gotta give Lance Zierlein over at NFL.com a lot of props. His draft profile was very accurate, and it's fairly disturbing that he still has the same weaknesses three years into the league and has worked with Dante Scarnecchia and Mike Munchak. This tells me that unless Adrian Klemm is some wizard, Anderson is who he is.
What is he? He's got enough quickness and strength to do a decent job, but neither is at a good level. He gets beat with quickness at times, and power due to his poor technique where he is always off balance with his weight forward. The more he has played, the more opponents have a book on him where they pull him once he's off balance. Feet get too skinny at times, causing more balance issues. Has next to no punch and allows power rushers to get into this chest. ... Provides next to no power in the run game. Seldom moves a big end at the point of attack.
INJURY HISTORY
Ended 2021 season on IR (leg).
Missed two games last season with ankle injuries.
WHERE DOES HE FIT?
He's at best a swing tackle and occasional spot starter. That is it, unless Klemm is a wizard.
FILM ANALYSIS
BOTTOM LINE
If the Patriots go into the season with Anderson as their left tackle starter, are they completely screwed? No. He's a solid player and you could be OK if the Patriots had a kick-ass right tackle that needed no help ever. But they don't have that. That's a big problem if it winds up being Anderson.
I like the player — as a backup swing tackle. Perfect No. 3 (although I would ideally want a good developmental guy in that role, like the Raiders have in Thayer Munford). He's an upgrade over Yodny Cajuste, but that's about it. Isaiah Wynn, when healthy, was a lot better than Anderson.
Patriots better hope Trent Brown reports in shape and ready to go this season. Again, Anderson would be fine if they had a Pro Bowler at right tackle. He's solid and smart, so you could get by helping him (the Broncos helped him a lot). But looking at the prospect of starting Anderson at left tackle, and Riley Reiff/Conor McDermott/Sidy Sow at right tackle is a horrifying thought. That would in no way be good enough for an NFL team expecting to do something this season.