Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a month away, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Vanderbilt LB Anfernee Orji.
Anfernee Orji NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Linebacker
- School: Vanderbilt
- Year: Senior
Orji was a three-star recruit out of Rockwall High School in Texas. He received interest and offers from a number of Power Five programs. After considering his options, Orji chose to play college football at Vanderbilt.
As a freshman, Orji appeared in enough games to not qualify for redshirt status. However, he wasn’t yet a relevant player, playing just 78 snaps and recording five tackles all season.
Orji’s role increased as a sophomore. He found his way into nine games and logged 474 snaps. In those games, Orji recorded 66 total tackles and one sack.
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Orji’s progression continued in his junior season. In 12 contests, he registered 92 tackles, including 13 for a loss, as well as one sack.
As a senior, he racked up 106 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and his lone carer interception.
Overall, Orji finished his college career with 139 solo tackles, 130 assisted tackles, 21 TFLs, three sacks, and one INT.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Anfernee Orji
Strengths: Tough, physical linebacker who is best defending the run. Instinctive, quickly diagnoses plays, and immediately picks up assignments. Displays good change-of-direction ability, stays with the action, and fires upfield against the run. Has a strong build, is tough to knock off his feet, and wraps up tackling. Sells out on the blitz.
Weaknesses: Possesses average quickness. Not quick closing to the action and minimally effective in pursuit. Gets caught up in the trash.
Overall: Orji is a physical LB who plays bigger and faster than his measurables, but he still comes with limited upside for the next level. He could be a good backup as a Mike linebacker, but Orji must stand out on special teams.
Anfernee Orji Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’1 1/8″
- Weight: 230 pounds
- Arm Length: 32″
- Hand Size: 10 1/4″
- Bench Press: N/A
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.53
Vanderbilt LB Anfernee Orji Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Orji ranked 196th overall and is projected to be drafted in the sixth round. With a 3.37 grade, he is Pauline’s ILB11 in this class.
Orji’s athletic testing leaves plenty to be desired. For a position that requires athleticism, Orji is lacking in that department.
MORE: 2023 NFL Draft Big Board
College production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Orji didn’t really produce until his final two seasons. While that doesn’t preclude him from becoming a successful pro, it doesn’t exactly bode well.
Even as a Day 3 pick, Orji should be able to make an NFL roster. But his athleticism and body of work suggest his ceiling is becoming a rotational player at the NFL level.
Ultimately, Orji is fighting an uphill battle to have a sustained career. He will almost certainly be drafted and have the opportunity to prove himself at rookie minicamp and training camp, but simply earning a spot on an active roster would be a success for him.