Alex Anzalone

Alex Anzalone

29-Year-Old LinebackerLB
Detroit Lions
2023 Fantasy Outlook
Anzalone had a career year during his second season in Motown and ultimately crushed his previous career high with 125 tackles as the centerpiece of Detroit's defense. His involvement in pass defense (six PBUs) only added to his value, and the Lions rewarded him with a three-year, $18.75 million contract that positions Anzalone as the 10th-highest paid inside linebacker in the NFL. However, it's fair to wonder if he can build upon his 2022 production now that Malcolm Rodriguez is another year wiser while first-round rookie Jack Campbell joins the fold. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
#Subscriber-Only
IDP
$Signed a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Lions in March of 2023.
Career year in 2023
LBDetroit Lions
February 12, 2024
Anzalone recorded 129 tackles with 3.0 sacks and six passes defended over 16 regular-season games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
While a fringe top-24 linebacker in IDP formats, Anzalone recorded career highs in tackles, solo tackles (85) and sacks as one of the most important pieces of a Detroit defense that made huge improvements in run defense. One year after finishing bottom four in rushing yards allowed per carry and per game, this unit finished top three in each of those categories and top two in runs of 10-plus yards allowed (36) and runs of 20-plus yards allowed (five). With Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill also under contract in 2024, the key pieces are in place for both Anzalone and the Lions' run defense to remain productive in 2024.
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NFL Stats
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2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2023 NFL Game Log
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2022 NFL Game Log
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2021 NFL Game Log
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2020 NFL Game Log
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2019 NFL Game Log
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2018 NFL Game Log
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2017 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Detroit LionsLions 2023 LB Snap Distribution See more data like this | See last season's snap counts
#% of Team Snaps

113092%
75562%
71658%
15713%
1159%
413%
403%
50%
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2023 Alex Anzalone Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Alex Anzalone's measurables compare to other linebackers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 3"
 
Weight
238 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
4.63 sec
 
Shuttle Time
4.25 sec
 
Cone Drill
6.88 sec
 
Vertical Jump
30.5 in
 
Broad Jump
116 in
 
Bench Press
16 reps
 
Hand Length
9.13 in
 
Arm Length
32.13 in
 
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Alex Anzalone See More
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64 days ago
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66 days ago
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Gameday Injuries: Week 14
110 days ago
Juan Carlos Blanco takes an early Sunday morning look at a loaded Week 14 injury report that is chock full of important news for fantasy managers looking to lock up or solidify playoff positioning.
Gameday Injuries: Week 13
117 days ago
Juan Carlos Blanco breaks down the latest as of Sunday morning on a Week 13 injury report particularly busy at the wide receiver position.
Latest Fantasy Rumors
Absence could be short
LBDetroit Lions
December 5, 2023
Anzalone could return for Detroit's Week 14 matchup against the Bears, Ben Raven of Michigan Live reports.
ANALYSIS
Anzalone was forced to miss Detroit's matchup against the Saints due to a hand injury. He was unable to practice all week prior to being ruled out, suggesting the injury is relatively serious. However, coach Dan Campbell expressed some optimism Anzalone will be able to return after only a one-game absence. Both Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez would lose out on playing time if Anzalone can suit up.
See All NFL Rumors
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2022
2021
2020
Few players benefited more than Anzalone did from Detroit's offseason switch to a 4-3 base defense. Seemingly locked into a coveted role at middle linebacker that doesn't exist in all defenses, Anzalone could be a tackle machine behind an improving Lions defensive line that features Michael Brockers and 2022 second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. While those in dynasty leagues will want to keep in mind that Malcolm Rodriguez or Derrick Barnes could be the future of the position in Motown, the job should be Anzalone's to lose entering the coming campaign.
Coming over from New Orleans, Anzalone is reportedly familiar with the 3-4 defense that Detroit's new coaching staff is trying to install. However, the Florida product will need to beat out Jahlani Tavai for the starting job at inside linebacker next to Jamie Collins.
After landing on the IR in September, Anzalone should be fully healthy for the 2020 season. His health is a concern as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, as he's missed 26 total games due to injury through his first three seasons in the league. Despite having only one full season under his belt (2018), Anzalone is fully expected to compete for a starting job, though upstart rookie Zack Baun will be in the mix for that job too.
More Fantasy News
Remains limited Thursday
LBDetroit Lions
Ribs
January 25, 2024
Anzalone (shoulder/ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
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Limited in walkthrough Wednesday
LBDetroit Lions
Ribs
January 24, 2024
Anzalone (ribs/shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice.
ANALYSIS
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Playing through injuries
LBDetroit Lions
Ribs
January 23, 2024
Anzalone played through a sprained AC joint in his shoulder and three fractured ribs during Sunday's divisional-round win over the Buccaneers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
ANALYSIS
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Second-most tackles in loss
LBDetroit Lions
January 1, 2024
Anzalone had eight tackles (five solo) in Saturday's 20-19 loss to the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
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Leads team in tackles
LBDetroit Lions
December 18, 2023
Anzalone logged 12 tackles (seven solo) and a pass deflection in Detroit's 42-17 win over the Broncos on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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