Aaron

Anderson

Anderson (5’8”/191) is an undersized receiver whose best season came in 2024 when he caught 53 passes for 784 yards and five touchdowns. A solid player after the catch, Anderson made his living in the slot, where he played on 90.6 percent of his career snaps, per PFF. His numbers fell off a cliff in 2025 (33-398-0), due in part to injuries to both him and his quarterback, who played through an injury for most of the season. With an underwhelming 47.4 contested catch rate for his career, it’s no surprise that Anderson’s height works against him when forced to battle for possession, and he dropped a career-high 10.8 percent of his passes last season. Anderson’s 4.58 40-yard dash leaves much to be desired given his size, but he still finds ways to create after the catch. He has limited experience as a return man (seven career kick/punt returns), but could try his hand at returning in camp in hopes of earning a roster spot as a depth piece. The Browns are a great place for any UDFA wideout to make hay as things stand, but obviously Anderson is well behind their other rookie wideouts on the depth chart.

Anderson (5'9/185) had been committed to LSU back in June before backing off that pledge in October following the mutual parting of ways between HC Ed Orgeron and the university. This is a huge signing for the Crimson Tide, with Anderson ranking as the 14th wide receiver and 96th overall player in the 2022 prep class according to the 247Sports composite board. He was widely pursued by Florida State, Arkansas, Georgia, Texas and USC, but HC Nick Saban once again managed to nab yet another top-100 caliber recruit.

It’s not terribly surprising to see recruits dropping off with the news of Ed Orgeron’s departure. Commits are often tied to the coaches, and for all of Orgeron’s flaws he was a great recruiter. Anderson (5"9"/185) is a four-star wide receiver, the 22nd WR in the class and the 11th ranked player from Louisiana. Anderson said himself that Orgeron was the main reason he committed, and now looks for his next school.

Byrd (5'10/185) also excelled at track, running a 11.23 100-meter dash as a sophomore, in addition to his four-star level receiving acumen on the football field. A highly sought after recruit, the New Orleans, LA native chose LSU over offers from Alabama, Florida State, Arkansas, Miami, USC, Texas and Kentucky. The Tigers have been on the recruiting warpath lately, already securing 13 commitments to their 2020 class that currently ranks as the third best in the country.

“Holy *smoke emoji*, Spiegelman wrote, adding that the 5-foot-9, 180-pound Anderson is going to be a “headache” for opposing high school defenses in the fall. The analyst finishes with the note that the youngster is “ready.” Anderson’s recruitment won’t start truly taking shape until next spring. Count his as a name to file away for the time being.