Summary

Drew Sanders was selected in Round 3 (#67 Overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Arkansas, after beginning his collegiate career at Alabama. A former five-star recruit, Sanders transitioned from edge defender to off-ball linebacker and enjoyed a breakout season at Arkansas in 2022, recording 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 5 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and pass-rush production earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and solidified his status as one of the most intriguing hybrid linebacker prospects in his class. Early in his pro career, he has been used in rotational and sub-package roles while continuing to refine instincts and consistency. Sanders is regarded as a high-character, coachable, and driven professional, praised for work ethic, accountability, and willingness to adapt to new roles. His background at Alabama and Arkansas reflects exposure to high-level coaching, structure, and competitive environments.

Strengths

• Athletic Profile: Excellent size/speed combination for the linebacker position (22.50 Athletic Score). Uses reach effectively to disrupt passing lanes and finish tackles.

• Versatile Pass-Rush Ability: Proven ability to pressure quarterbacks from multiple alignments. Experience as off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, and blitzer.

• Motor: Plays with energy and urgency and chases plays outside the box.

• Developmental Ceiling: Traits suggest high long-term upside with refinement.

Weaknesses

• Processing Speed: Can be late diagnosing run fits and route concepts. Misses occur when over-relying on athleticism due to latency in processing.

• Play Strength: Still developing ability to take on blocks consistently. Best position still being solidified at the NFL level as he looks like Tarzan… you know the rest.

• Production: Sanders has yet to really make his mark in the NFL and take control of a starting position over limited veterans like Alex Singleton. Limited reps as a full-time off-ball linebacker.

• Coverage Awareness: Zone spacing and anticipation need refinement. Should be more impactful with his movement skills for his size.

Outlook

Sanders fits best in a multiple-front defensive system that values hybrid linebackers and pressure versatility. In Denver, he profiles as a sub-package linebacker and pressure piece, where his athleticism and pass-rush background can be leveraged without overexposing him to early-down run responsibilities. Sanders is sort of too slow a processor for MIKE and not adequate in coverage as a WILL linebacker, which sort of puts him no man’s land. Looking ahead, Sanders projects as a high-upside developmental starter whose ceiling depends on growth in instincts, strength, and discipline. If his processing catches up to his athletic traits, he has the potential to become a three-down linebacker with impact pass-rush value. Even if development plateaus, Sanders offers meaningful sub-package and pressure utility, making him a valuable chess piece in modern defensive schemes. His long-term outlook remains positive due to athletic ceiling, work ethic, and adaptability.