There’s something about rookie RB Otis Anderson

LA Rams: There’s something about rookie RB Otis Anderson

In LA Rams News: There's something about running back Otis Anderson that makes him a very intriguing prospect for the Rams training camp competition.

ramblinfan.com

There’s something about rookie RB Otis Anderson​

The lessons learned about the way that the LA Rams approach building their roster have helped us refine the way we view the roster additions who arrive towards the end of the process. Rather than just slapping someone in there, the Rams seem to become even more determined to find that one last gold nugget from the draft class teeming with rookie talent.

The LA Rams did not need running back help, and yet they made it a point to sign up rookie running back Otis Anderson Jr. who hails from the University of Central Florida Knights (formerly Golden Knights before 2007). He’s 5-foot-8 and 179-pounds, so the initial thought is that he was brought into the Rams training camp to round out the roster and field some kickoffs and punts.

In terms of size, he falls into the ‘microburst’ section of the team rushers, in the same group as running backs Raymond Calais (5-foot-8 188-pounds) and Darrell Henderson (5-foot-8 208-pounds). That’s pretty stiff competition folks, and at first blush, you may wonder (just like we did) why even bother with him. Ah, that would be the cheap and easy conclusion.

So we do what we do, and began digging for some answers.



View: https://twitter.com/gumby_football/status/1407792270921764865?s=21

Clearly, Otis Anderson is thrilled to be a member of the LA Rams. It’s a lifelong dream and at the last possible moment, there is a new life to become an NFL player. You can bet that he will not give up this chance without his best effort. Now, why should we be thrilled that he is on the Rams roster? So glad you asked…

More than meets the eye

He is immensely versatile. A young man who has a background as a wide receiver, running back, kick returner, punt returner, and even as a speedy guy who can cover instantly. Yeah, that isn’t somebody the LA Rams will want to take a hard look at? Think again. Otis Anderson is the type of player who will find a way to contribute, will take any avenue to do so, and will deliver to the best of his ability if given the chance.

Just for the record, the LA Rams love to give out chances for a player like that.

Now don’t get me wrong. The competition for any role in the LA Rams backfield is ultimately competitive. The Rams backfield will likely carry no more than three running backs, and two spots are claimed by Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers. One spot remaining for Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, Jake Funk, and now Otis Anderson.

He is among the smallish players in the NFL, so he’s obviously freakishly fast, right? Well, not exactly. He tested at 4.63 seconds on his 40-yard dash. While that is not Terrapin slow, it’s not lightning fast either. Henderson put up a 4.49-second 40 time. Akers put up 4.47-seconds. Jones at 4.66-seconds. Jake Funk put up an amazing 4.38-second 40 time. Finally, Raymond Calais rolls in at 4.42-seconds for his 40-yard dash time.

Neither the biggest, the baddest, the fastest, or the most powerful rusher. So why did the Rams sign him up? A huge mistake? A favor owed to some friend of the family? A crutch to aid UCF Jacob Harris’s transition to the pros?

Trust the front office, young padawan

The University of Central Florida Knights is a blossoming college football program and continues to draw ever-increasing interest from NFL teams each year. The fact is that the program delivers NFL-capable talent on a regular basis, and forgoes national championships at times to optimize players’ chances in the pros.

Per his 2021 NFL Draft profile, Anderson was given shiny compliments, with the only drawback being the size that doesn’t scream every-down running back. Well here’s a newsflash, folks. That smaller version of versatile player seems to be a niche that holds great interest for the LA Rams. After all, the Rams have Darrell Henderson and Raymond Calais, so why go back to the well for a third time if durability was ever a concern? These Rams have been at this a while, and clearly trust what their data says over the general data at play.

The Rams envision Anderson as a strong competitor on special teams, a plug-n-play return specialist who has enough chops all over the offense to deliver reasons for offensive snaps as well. It’s pretty clear that the LA Rams are rethinking their entire roster strategy, and infusing versatility and athleticism whenever and wherever possible. But this young man is not the fastest in the RB room, so what gives?

Don’t stand on track meets to define who can play. There is a path for those running backs/wide receivers/return specialists who can carve an impressive career path by being good at multiple roles. New York Giants’ Dave Meggett is one such player, Darren Sproles is another such player. Meggett scored 27 touchdowns over 10 seasons, while Sproles put up 64 touchdowns over 14 seasons. So yes, it can work.

In four seasons with UCF, Anderson rushed 358 times for 2,182 yards and 17 touchdowns and caught 91 passes for 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns. He also returned 39 punts for 478 yards and one touchdown. That’s a very solid production for a young man who rotated into various roles. Can he develop further in the NFL? The LA Rams seem to think so.

Still unconvinced? That’s okay. We just put this out there to let anyone interested in doing so keep Otis Anderson on the radar screen. And if you don’t? Just remember that you heard it here first. That will come in handy when he lights it up in a preseason game, and you are scrambling to answer the question “Who is that guy?”

 

[den-the-coach]

The Los Angeles Rams need a punt returner and they don't have anyone on the squad with the exception of returning punts, that's right, punts! Kickoff returns are different, the Rams now have three players that have returned multiple punts in their career in Nsimba Webster, UDRFA Jeremiah Haydel & now Otis Anders Jr., Tutu Atwell has returned some, but not enough to feel good about his ability to return punts.

Haydel IMO, is a stud in this area playing at a smaller school at Texas State was still recognized as one of the top return men both punts & kickoffs in the nation. Others such as Raymond Calais & Jake Funk besides Atwell are also going to try to showcase the ability to return punts during training camp & preseason, but they don't have the experience of Anderson.

Seems the Rams have too many numbers at WR for Haydel to make the squad, but the Rams carried 7 WR'S last year, so if he's that good, he will make it. Anderson has an opportunity as well because the Rams should carry 4 RB's and if Anderson can showcase the ability to return punts besides offer something in the passing game out of the backfield, he might just stick, which would shock some considering being a late addition to the roster.

 

[dang]

KR/PR positions are wide open. I also think they keep a 4th RB. Will be very interested in seeing who makes the cut for those positions.

 

[tomas]

Does anybody remember the great St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) RB Ottis Anderson?

​

 

[den-the-coach]

Does anybody remember the great St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) RB Ottis Anderson?

​

I remember him as a New York Giant.

 

[PARAM]

Yeah, the article said, 3 running backs to which I immediately thought, "wrong". For no particular reason (or reasoning) and taking nothing away from Calais or Xavier, I'd love to see Akers, Henderson, Funk and Otis. Versatility, speed and youth.

 

[tomas]

I remember him as a New York Giant.
View attachment 46582

He put up some great seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, 1600 yards rushing yards (1979)

 

[Merlin]

Immense longshot but I do think there may be some surprises at RB this year in camp.

IMO the primary backup job will be up for competition. There is a chance we see some depth chart shuffling.

 

[den-the-coach]

Yeah, the article said, 3 running backs to which I immediately thought, "wrong". For no particular reason (or reasoning) and taking nothing away from Calais or Xavier, I'd love to see Akers, Henderson, Funk and Otis. Versatility, speed and youth.

I'd like a back with size, which Malcolm Brown did bring to the table, which aided in pass protection, this is what I like about Xavier Jones, not that he's much bigger, but he runs heavy and is a great blocker in pass protection. Jones also has strong receiver skills, so I expect quite a bit of competition from this group aided by RB Coach Thomas Brown.

 

[oldnotdead]

If you are looking for a punt returner short-area quickness is more important than long speed. The interesting thing about Anderson is his 40 times are all over the place. But what is interesting is his analytic speed i.e. his play speed. In this regard, he's in the 4.4 range. When you look at his film you can see he isn't a pedestrian 4.6 runner. His quickness and acceleration stand out. Punt returners have to make those first two guys miss to break a run.

Funk has good long speed and his test shows he should have good acceleration. That said he doesn't always show it on film. This is why I see a KRer in Funk. The PR position is wide open. McVay said they have several options which are true. But then they go out and sign another? Look at what teams do not what they say. DeCamilis apparently isn't completely sold on who he wants so TC will be where the final determination is made. If he intends to run KOs back out of the end zone he needs a 4.3-low 4.4 timed runner. This is why I see that in Funk.

But like I said acceleration is huge for a PR which is why normally you don't see tall guys. But the Rams have someone who can fill both roles in Robert Rochell. He has not only outstanding long speed but he's got excellent acceleration, agility, and the hands for the job. IMO he would be a very dangerous returner. With his speed, if he breaks open no one is catching him. Jacob Harris comes to mind when you think of KO returners. He's a bit of a long strider as most people with his height are. But he's got very good agility and outstanding long speed and like Rochell if he breaks open no one is catching him.

I think a lot of these guys are due diligence type of camp signings. But if they really need a roster spot they have roster locks who can play as returners both punts and KOs. One thing about Rochell, Harris, and Funk is they all have good hands. Using a rookie on returns is a good way to get them into the flow of the game and give them game-day snaps. What has impressed me about this draft class is all of them come in with good work ethics and attitudes, willing to do whatever it takes.

 

[PARAM]

I'd like a back with size, which Malcolm Brown did bring to the table, which aided in pass protection, this is what I like about Xavier Jones, not that he's much bigger, but he runs heavy and is a great blocker in pass protection. Jones also has strong receiver skills, so I expect quite a bit of competition from this group aided by RB Coach Thomas Brown.

I will be happy with whatever 4 make the final 53. It will be interesting to see where Malcolm's contributions go. 101 rushing attempts, 419 yards (4.1), 5 rushing TDs, 23 receptions (33 targets), 162 yards (7.0), 0 TD and numerous non-stat sheet plays in pass pro. I'm sure Akers (145-625, 2 TD; 11 receptions, 14 targets, 123 yard, 1 TD) grabbing half of the rushes/targets and Hendo (138-624, 5 TD; 16 receptions, 24 targets, 159 yards, 1 TD) the other half wouldn't be difficult. They should also be able to split those 5 rushing TDs. But we want more, don't we?

 

[den-the-coach]

I rushing TDs. But we want more, don't we?

Agreed, with hope that both Akers & Henderson can stay healthy along with whoever is 3 & 4. I feel strongly that Funk barring injury is almost a lock at 3, but again, we need to see how it plays out, then when it comes to Anderson, Jones & Calais, if Anderson or Calais can distinguish themselves returning punts, I believe they will be the number 4 back and active on gameday to return both punts & kickoffs, however, if the Rams go with Atwell returning punts or a WR, then I believe Jones based on offering a different style, would be kept.

 

[Rams43]

Yeah, we’re gonna see some intense competition for 3rd and 4th RB this camp.

And Rams are in a great position to pick and choose, that’s for damned sure. I see Rams 4 deep at RB when the dust settles which is good considering the injury history of Akers/Hendy so far.

Rams will find themselves forced to cut 2 good RB’s come September no matter what. Man, that’s good depth.

 

[AvengerRam]

The great thing about him is he performs well regardless of kickoff time. I have confidence in Otis, day and the nights.

 

[tomas]

Yeah, we’re gonna see some intense competition for 3rd and 4th RB this camp.

And Rams are in a great position to pick and choose, that’s for damned sure. I see Rams 4 deep at RB when the dust settles which is good considering the injury history of Akers/Hendy so far.

Rams will find themselves forced to cut 2 good RB’s come September no matter what. Man, that’s good depth.

 

[tomas]

I think b/c of injury concerns, the Rams will carry 5 RBs on their 53 man roster-- Cam Akers/Henderson/Jones/Funk/ Calais, or Otis Anderson.

 

[bubbaramfan]

I don't trust Akers or Henderson as 3rd and long protection for Stafford. they both sucked at recognizing where the blitz was coming from last year and when they did were bad at picking it up.

 

[HE WITH HORNS]

So is Anderson going to make the team now? I guess it's too early to tell, but with Calais out, he's gonna get a good look at KR and PR next week I'm sure.

 

[hotanez]

So is Anderson going to make the team now? I guess it's too early to tell, but with Calais out, he's gonna get a good look at KR and PR next week I'm sure.

my guess is no