Vincent Anthony Jr. Scouting Report

Vincent Anthony Jr. checks all of the boxes of size, length, and athleticism to enter the NFL and have an impact as a pass rusher.

Draft Grade: Round 3 - Adequate Starter

Strengths:

Pass-Rush Upside: Anthony posted proven sack production in college, finishing the 2025 season with 7.5 sacks. That production reflects his natural instincts and understanding of how to affect the quarterback. For his size, Anthony is a fluid mover with good upfield quickness, allowing him to beat offensive tackles around the edge and win on the perimeter.

Alignment Versatility: Anthony has the size and athleticism to line up in multiple alignments along the defensive front. He can play on the edge, but he also has the frame and skill set to kick inside and impact the play from an interior alignment. He shows the ability to be effective with his hand in the ground or as a stand-up rusher and blitzer.

Change of Direction: Anthony is a good overall athlete with strong change-of-direction ability. He can plant his foot and quickly redirect to the flow of the ball carrier, giving him solid range and the ability to impact run plays across the field. This trait also shows up as a pass rusher, allowing him to stay in pursuit and continue working toward the quarterback when plays extend.

Concerns:

Run Defense: Anthony needs to improve his play against the run. There are moments on the perimeter where he gets out-leveraged and gives up the edge of the defense. At times, his eagerness to get upfield causes him to run himself out of the play and lose the overall structure of the defense. Anthony also needs a more advanced understanding of run-block concepts such as reach blocks, down blocks, and pullers. Improving his recognition of these blocks will help him play with better discipline, maintain gap integrity, and be more reliable within the defensive scheme.

Lack of Consistency: Anthony tends to operate in flashes over the course of a game. There are reps where he looks dominant and disruptive, followed by stretches where his impact is minimal. This inconsistency may stem from developing instincts or overthinking his responsibilities within the defense. Giving Anthony a clearly defined role early in his career could help him play faster, reduce hesitation, and maximize his overall impact.