NFL Draft Profile: Drew Sanders, Linebacker, Arkansas Razorbacks
Drew Sanders
Arkansas Razorbacks
#20
Pos: LB
Ht: 6041
Wt: 235
Hand: 0968
Arm: 3218
Wing: 7658
DOB: 12/31/2001
Hometown: Denton, TX
High School: Ryan
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liners
In terms of range, explosion and upside, it doesn’t get much better than Sanders as a prospect and there is a lot of room for growth in his game.
Evaluation:
At Alabama, Sanders was utilized strictly as an edge rusher. This season at Arkansas, the former five-star recruit has played mostly as a middle linebacker, with some reps off the edge. Sanders' decision to switch to linebacker has paid dividends, as he has been one of the most productive players in the nation this season. It starts with his speed. Sanders plays with a different level of speed, as good as any linebacker in the country. He comes downhill fast and has the range to play sideline to sideline. On outside zone runs, Sanders uses his speed to track down ball carriers with ease and make an impactful tackle. Sanders hits extremely hard and is going to light up ball carriers whenever he gets the chance. The difference between Sanders and most prospects is that even though he is coming downhill fast and trying to hit hard, he is very calculated. He didn’t miss many tackles on film. For a first-year linebacker, Sanders' instincts were very good, showing that his football IQ and he can have success wherever he is asked to play. As a quarterback spy, Sanders displays the explosion and speed to prevent them from breaking off big runs. Sanders fills the alley well and when he has a free rush to the quarterback from his linebacker spot, it usually ends up in a sack. He is still inconsistent with getting off blocks but his ability to get off blocks improved over the course of the season. At times he’ll play too high, which at his height can allow offensive linemen to win the leverage battle and drive him out of the play. In coverage, Sanders doesn’t have a natural feel in zones and still looks a little hesitant in that regard. The biggest concern on Sanders' film is his hip fluidity. He is an unbelievable linear athlete but his change of direction movement skills laterally held him back on film. Sanders struggles to stop on a dime and it took him too much time to react to ball carriers cutting and misdirections. In man coverage, Sanders relies on his speed but there will be questions about how well he can stay with quicker players. Linear tight ends will be no problem for Sanders but receiving tight ends and running backs could be harder for him to cover. When used as an edge rusher, Sanders wasn’t very effective, as he lacks bend but doesn’t have the natural power to win, converting speed to power. Overall, Sanders projects as a starting MIKE in the NFL and with more experience and NFL coaching, some of his issues should be fixed. He has a tremendous amount of upside and is just scratching the surface of what he can become.
Grade:
1st-2nd Round Grade
Quotes:
Mel Kiper Jr. from ESPN on Drew Sanders: Sanders, a rotational player on the Alabama defense in 2020 and 2021, transferred to Arkansas earlier this year and has been stellar this season, though his production has dropped off since his hot start. He has 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 65 tackles. He's playing all over the field for the Razorbacks; he has the burst and range to chase down ball carriers. He's a hit, lift and drive tackler who can fill a hole in the run game. He plays super hard and has great size for the position. Sanders likely will fit as an off-ball linebacker at the next level, but his blitzing ability makes him an intriguing player on passing downs.
Background:
Born and raised in Denton, Texas. Attended Ryan High School and was an absolutely dominant player. Rated as a five-star prospect by 247Sports. Began college career at Alabama and played two seasons there. During freshman year, mainly played on special teams. As a sophomore, played in twelve games and had twenty-four tackles. Transferred to Arkansas prior to the 2022 season. Had an outstanding junior year, playing in all twelve games. Had 103 total tackles and 9.5 sacks. Very high prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft, projected as a first or second-round pick.
