2023 NFL Draft Profile: LB Drew Sanders -

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Tucked behind the bigger names in the 2023 NFL Draft, Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders looks like a diamond in the rough. The Alabama transfer played just one year in Fayetteville for the Razorbacks. Yet, the six-foot-four, 235-pound defender excelled. His one-hundred-three tackles, nine-and-a-half sacks along with three forced fumbles earned Sanders All-American status. In addition, the All-SEC nod really opened eyes to what many consider the best conference in all of college football. A Butkus Award finalist, the prospect earned the first All-American birth for a linebacker since 1964.

NAME

Drew Sanders

POSITION

Linebacker

HEIGHT

6’4″

WEIGHT

235 pounds

SCHOOL

Arkansas

Strengths

Sanders, not only fits the modern prototype for skillset for NFL linebackers but he exceeds it. First and foremost, the prospect rushes the passer with equal parts explosion, aggression, and timing. Off the edge, the former Razorback uses a swim move that will with either arm. Due to his long frame, Sanders can keep blockers off his chest, allowing him to bend the corner, and heading to the quarterback. Now to mention, the standout defender looks comfortable in coverage, flowing sideline to sideline, staying singled up in man. Usually, linebackers that rush well, look lost in coverage, drowning in the coverage area. Lastly, when Sanders draws a bead on the ballcarrier, he will try to jolt the opponent to the ground. In staying behind his pads, he uses a wide tackle radius to stop the ball.

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Weaknesses

After just one excellent year in Arkansas, is Drew Sanders ready to start in the NFL? As mentioned, he passes the eye test and meets the metric. However, if you look deeper, slight flaws jump to mind. Granted, six-foot-four remains a good size for any linebacker. Yet, the 235 pounds could affect him. Offensive linemen, on run plays, will attempt to bully and burrow into Sanders’ upper body, driving him away from the play. Moreover, in moving from edge to linebacker, Sanders needs to develop his instincts. For example, his eyes will force him to react to playaction. Right now, the brain and instincts must work in concert with the eyes.

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Ideal Role

Rarely, you will see a linebacker with the pass-rush ability and coverage to play all four linebacker spots. As a 3-4 linebacker, Sanders could thrive as a rush linebacker. However, that would not take advantage of his talents in coverage. A smart defensive coordinator will use Sanders all over the field as an impact three-down linebacker. If teams have another standout on the edge, teams will need to pick their poison because someone will inevitably come free. The key is innovation with the player.

Potential Fits

If you look at the landscape of the NFL, two teams desperately need Sanders and would make the best fit. In the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick does his best work with versatile players. Imagine the Patriots landing a player that could conceivably play an inside linebacker on one down and rush from the edge on the next. Under those circumstances, the Pittsburgh Steelers could slide Sanders into the inside, forcing teams to choose between Watt and Highsmith who to double. Additionally, Sanders gives Pittsburgh another hitter who could either jump an underneath route or force turnovers.