Falcon Troy Andersen

Falcon Troy Andersen: 30th IDP Off the Board / Selected 58th Overall

 Gridiron Ratings 2022 Rookie NFL Draft Guide

The Atlanta Falcons drafted a highly intriguing player in Linebacker Troy Andersen. Andersen is a highly versatile athlete who played multiple positions at Division II college Montana State. He began his college career at Running Back and Quarterback before transitioning as a full-time Linebacker in his Senior season. He displayed big-play upside recording 8.5 sacks and 3 interceptions while playing roughly two seasons at Linebacker. Anderson profiles as an athletic coverage Linebacker at the NFL level. He posted a 4.42, 40 yard dash time at the Combine. The time was a Combine best for Linebackers.

His landing spot with the Falcons is much rosier from a Dynasty aspect. Andersen doesn’t project to see the field often beyond special team’s duties as a rookie. He’ll be behind veterans Deion Jones, Rashaan Evans and Mykal Walker on the depth chart. I’m expecting the Falcons to bring him along slowly much like the team did with last year’s 2nd round pick, Safety Richie Grant. Grant led the Falcons in special teams snaps last season while he struggled to pick up the defense as a rookie. Andersen will likely experience a similar rookie learning curve considering his lack of experience at Linebacker.

The best-case scenario is that he begins to gain playing time towards the end of the season if the team is out of playoff contention. Otherwise, IDP managers shouldn’t be expecting any type of payoff until the 2023 season. It’s important to note that Deion Jones has an out on his contract in 2023. Jones’ dead cap number drops from $24 million dollars to 5 million dollars next season. Jones struggled last season in the team’s new 3-4 scheme and the writing is on the wall for him to be released next season. Andersen, with his exceptional athleticism, profiles as the one-for-one replacement to Jones.

Dynasty and Redraft Evaluations

Anderson is much more appealing as a Dynasty asset. He’ll take time to develop considering his limited playing experience at a lower-level college. However, once he adjusts to the NFL and seizes a starting job, he has upside as a potential top 5 LB. He is a fade in redraft leagues. He’s better left on waivers as he’s unlikely to play much in his rookie season.