2023 NFL Draft: Anderson Hardy Scouting Report

Offensive Tackle, Appalachian State

Summary

A key figure within the Appalachian State Mountaineer offensive line which provided the backbone of their offensive structure, offensive tackle Anderson Hardy provided blindside protection to quarterback Chase Brice & functioned as an integral edge-blocker enabling the ‘Neers outside-zone rushing offense with sealed edges & consistent physicality.

Getting deep into his knees pre-snap, Hardy retains exceptional knee bend throughout the play to leverage his ankles through his lower-half and create a strong anchor to build his pass-protection from. This same knee-bend produces a naturally lower pad-level which enables him to effectively generate upward-leverage with the ‘hug-technique.’ Grabbing tight by the edges of the chest & shoulder pads, Hardy applies his 31 reps of 225 pounds with grip strength & direction.

A reliance on this inherent power has hampered the overall development of his hand-fighting, but is working from a foundation which lays the base for high-level development in his portion of his game. A lack of arm length will always be a hampering factor though as Hardy comes in just under 32-inches (according to si.com). This would have placed him ahead of only three other offensive lineman at the 2023 NFL Combine.

Getting out into space in run-blocking, Hardy uses that same knee bend and an overall coordination to apply his twitch into the open field and close with speed on his intended target. Approaching with momentum, Hardy can sometimes struggle to make the reach when adjusting his angle at the point-of-engagement versus a shifty linebacker. When washing out to the edges though, Hardy is a gifted tackle who can succeed while operating in swaths of open grass.

Ultimately, Hardy lacks the measurements and characteristics of an NFL offensive tackle that yells “sexy,” but possesses a number of complementing elements to his game that explain his consistent service on the Appalachian State offensive line. These given tools provide the basis of a day one contributor who can carry on the development of his technical refinement into the future.

Player Comparison: Rashawn Slater, OL, LAC

Coming into the 2021 NFL Draft as the token ‘undersized’ prospect, Slater saw continual improvement in his draft stock as he proved the capability of this athleticism at the next level and became known as one of the most technically polished available from that year’s class of offensive tackles. Only measuring in at six-foot-four and just over 300 pounds, Slater lacked the elite size typical of first-round tackles.

At his showing for the 2021 NFL Combine though, Slater put up an impressive collection of numbers including a 33-inch vertical, 33 reps on the bench press, and a forty-yard dash just shy of 4.9 seconds. These numbers compare admirably to the 2023 Appalachian State product seeking to invigorate a similar rise in his draft stock before the end of April. A key difference in the two though is Slater’s 33-inch arms masking the lack of length he was commonly dinged for.

With outstanding lateral mobility, bend, and tangible strength displayed from their respective pre-draft efforts, Hardy needs to continue to prove his lack of conventionally attractive measurables will be meaningless in the face of this practical ability & developmental potential.

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Scouting Notes

Measurables

• HT/WT: 6’5”, 310 lbs

• Appalachian State Pro Day

  • Vertical: 31.00”

  • Broad: 10’1”

  • Forty: 4.84 seconds

  • Bench: 31 reps

Positives

• Athleticism

  • Pro Day vs 2023 NFL Combine

    • Over a tenth faster than the best OL forty

    • Best OL broad jump by one inch

    • Tied-fourth in bench press

  • Applies arm length effectively

  • “Coordinated-twitch” getting into space with mobility

  • Adequate physical frame with ability to contribute day one

• Pass-Blocking

  • Knee-bend creates favorable weight-distribution dropping with kick-step

  • Grip-strength locking his hands into the shoulder pads (hug technique)

  • Lightness in feet to reset base in small increments through engagement

• Run-Blocking

  • Twitchy getting out of his stance

  • Comfortable remaining engaged with defender while working laterally

  • Remains coordinated while applying leg-drive through engagement

Negatives

• Athleticism

  • Lacking a ‘raw twitch’ to generate impact-strength in blocking

    • All numbers point to it, mentality (?)

  • Unsure he will be able to add much more physical mass effectively

    • Current listing is perfectly serviceable at OT

  • Lacks arm length to make extra reach & seal edge vs outside arm of DE

• Pass-Blocking

  • Unsure his kick-step will be able to match elite athletes

  • If he forgets his knee bend, he becomes very upright

    • Vulnerable to bullrush

  • ‘Double-Jump’ issue with both feet leaving the ground while engaged

  • Lacking refinement in hand-fighting beyond hug-tech

• Run-Blocking

  • Head beyond his toes, easy counter for savvy veterans on the edge

  • Lacks ‘raw twitch’ to his leg-drive despite Pro Day measurements

  • Struggles to adjust angles at point-of-engagement with momentum

  • Not seeing him hunt for second-level defenders before the whistle