While draft prospects are judged on measurables, Tulane linebacker Nick Anderson’s stature pales in comparison to the height of his character. Football is a game of inches, so it’s fair to be critical of that metric in its players. Teams define prototypes for good reason. But to discount what Anderson brings on and off the field is a disservice to his greatness. Especially his value to an NFL locker room.
“Make sure to make fun of Nick for being short,” Tulane strength and conditioning coach Kurt Hester, who is training Anderson and a group of players for their pro day, told me while walking in to watch their three-hour session. As Nick and I sat inside Yulman Stadium afterward, we joked about scouting reports that found six ways to Sunday to define his weaknesses as one factor: too short for an NFL linebacker.
Not all teams are open to undersized linebackers, and height isn’t a controllable trait. Those players must demand enough attention elsewhere to be viewed as the exception. For New Orleans Saints fans, think no further than Steve Gleason. Nick Anderson is one I can attest to as the Green Wave’s sideline reporter for the last two seasons.