Drew Sanders 2023 NFL Draft

Drew Sanders 2023 NFL Draft

This 2023 NFL Draft scouting report on Drew Sanders was provided by Justin Caballero of Digging in the Trenches. Make sure to check the links and tags below for more draft profiles!

2023 NFL Draft: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

Drew Sanders, 2023 NFL Draft, linebacker, Arkansas, Alabama

Grading scale: Poor 1 Elite 10 COD: Change of Direction

Caballero advised that Drew Sanders is among his favorite prospects for the entire 2023 NFL Draft class. Sanders has the look of a linebacker that is ready to step in and contribute to an NFL team from day one.

Caballero likes how this 2023 NFL Draft linebacker prospect from Arkansas goes all out all game. Has the dog factor in spades as he plays like his hair is on fire according to Caballero. Solid in all facets of the linebacker position. Has to improve in pass coverage but has the skill set to do so.

Sanders will bring good speed to the LB room of any team that selects him. Plays fast both downhill and laterally. Caballero said, “Drew is really good at blitzing with good timing.” What stands out most while watching the game film on Sanders is his tackling ability. He is 6’4″ but Sanders still gets low as he squares up to pop and wrap up the ball carrier. There are not many yards after contact when Sanders makes that hit.

Drew Sanders’ eyes read and diagnose the play lightning fast. Good at stacking and shredding would-be blockers with his long arms. His change of direction moves looks natural. Can drop back and stop then charge ahead in the direction of the ball with ease. Good range sideline to sideline but also looks comfortable playing in tight spaces.

By the Numbers

Defense & Fumbles Table
						Tackles					Def Int					Fumbles
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Solo	Ast	Tot	Loss	Sk	Int	Yds	Avg	TD	PD	FR	Yds	TD	FF
*2020	Alabama	SEC	FR	LB	8	4	5	9	0.0	0.0	0	0		0	0	0			0
*2021	Alabama	SEC	SO	LB	7	12	12	24	2.5	1.0	0	0		0	2	0			0
*2022	Arkansas	SEC	JR	LB	12	40	63	103	13.5	9.5	1	13	13.0	0	5	1	0	0	3
Career	Overall					56	80	136	16.0	10.5	1	13	13.0	0	7	1	0	0	3
	Alabama					16	17	33	2.5	1.0	0	0		0	2	0			0
	Arkansas					40	63	103	13.5	9.5	1	13	13.0	0	5	1	0	0	3

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 2/23/2023.

The Prospect Sheet

Drew Sanders attended Ryan High School (HS) in Denton, Texas. A highly recruited player coming out of high school that got offers from some of the top football college powerhouses. Had that natural ability to make it at several positions in college. He originally enrolled and played at Alabama for two seasons before transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season. Had an offer from Arkansas out of high school but chose Bama. Sanders also had an offer from Oklahoma coming out of HS which he verbally committed to before changing his mind to go to Bama.

Other schools that offered Sanders were USC, Stanford, Texas, Baylor, and others. (Source: 247sports.com). Drew has been invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine.

Draft projection: 1st or 2nd round

Overall, Caballero feels that Drew Sanders will be a long-time starter in the NFL with the ability to play at an All-Pro level.