“I’m A Pass Rusher Through And Through”
June 1st, 2021
Anthony Nelson in 2020
Let the competition begin!
Imagine being Bucs edge rusher/outside linebacker Anthony Nelson. You played 30 percent of the defensive snaps last season and were part of a ferocious pass rush and a suffocating best-in-the-game run defense, and then the Bucs spent a first-round draft pick on Joe Tryon, who plays your position.
Joe asked Nelson about that today, and Nelson was quick to say he’s ready for battle.
“I mean if you’re scared of competition, you’re in the wrong business,” Nelson said. “You don’t get here by shying away from competition.”
Nelson said he’s very excited about Tryon largely because Tyron is such a great guy, and that he adds great potential team depth at the position.
Joe loves the attitude, and hopes Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones feel the same way about Giovani Bernard.
Nelson said he is attending OTA practices, whereas other veterans are staying away, because he has things he needs to work on. But he made sure to say he is in touch with his absent defensive teammates and they are putting in the necessary work on their own.
Personally, Nelson is focused on fine tuning his footwork for better quickness and efficiency. The goal is to get after the quarterback, he said, which is what the Bucs expect from Tryon.
“I’m a pass rusher through and through,” Nelson said.
June 1st, 2021 at 2:40 pm
“Personally, Nelson is focused on fine tuning his footwork for better quickness and efficiency.”
This is great news. Nelson did have good disruption when he was on the field. Although he almost always seemed just a half step away from getting to the QB. If he can improve his footwork I think he can dramatically improve his production this year. Maybe breakout with 6-8 sacks.
June 1st, 2021 at 2:45 pm
Anthony progressed last year with his technique. He’s got tremendous length and size so here’s hoping the best for him in 2021!
June 1st, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Wish him the best……but, he’s a 4th round pick and we can only expect so much……or can we?…….
If he turns out to be as solid of a player as Will Gholston…..then we did quite well.
June 1st, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Nelson is really good young depth at DE if Tryon becomes the starter in 2022.
June 1st, 2021 at 5:41 pm
I believe that there are NO worries about “depth” on either sides of the ball this year . Going for TWO ! GO BUCS !!!!
June 2nd, 2021 at 9:08 am
@TBBF, I believe Shaq was undrafted. Not saying Anthony is Shaq, but…
June 2nd, 2021 at 11:56 am
I’m surprised we’re not hearing about Cam Gill, yet. He has real potential.