2023 NFL Draft Prospect Review - LB Drew Sanders
Player Description
Name: Drew Sanders Position: Linebacker
College: Arkansas Uniform Number: #42
Class: Junior Height: 6-5
Weight: 233 lbs Projected Round: Early 2nd to 3rd round
Strengths:
Explosive, twitchy athlete
Excellent closing speed and range
Excels at both a run stopper and pass rusher
Active hands
High football IQ
Hard-hitting tackler
Quick at diagnosing run/pass plays
Possesses position versatility
Great vision and awareness
Natural flexibility - good bend around the edge
Disruptive in the backfield
Good Instincts in coverage
Ability to get skinny when blitzing inside
Moves extremely well in open space
Natural feel in stopping the run
Weaknesses:
With his height comes issues with pad level when making tackles. In his attempt to lower his pad level, he has a tendency to miss tackles due to taking subpar angles. When taking on blocks, Sanders needs to do a better job of using his length to create separation and shed blocks to make plays. As a pass rusher, Sanders is adequate enough but needs to develop a wider variety of pass rush moves and maneuvers to be more effective at the next level.