NFL Draft Profile: Drew Sanders

As the NFL's annual free agency frenzy comes to a close, it's time for teams to look forward to the year's best and last chance to improve their rosters: the NFL Draft. As April 27th approaches, we'll look at the prospects most likely to transform a franchise's fortunes.

The Player: Drew Sanders

Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders certainly made the most of his increased opportunity in 2022. After two relatively quiet years at Alabama, Sanders transferred to Arkansas for his junior season and burst onto the scene, totalling 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.

The Tools:

Standing at 6'4" and 232 lbs, Sanders has an ideal frame to cover ground in the running game and obscure passing lanes. He didn't perform in any drills at the NFL combine, but he demonstrated speed and explosiveness as a blitzer in college. His March 29th pro day should reveal the breadth of his athleticism, but from a distance, he recalls former Buffalo Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.

The Verdict:

Off-ball linebackers are no longer a coveted commodity in the modern-day NFL, but Sanders' production proves he's a disruptive force capable of splash plays in the passing game. His underwhelming career at Alabama may limit how high he goes, but he has unique traits that should make him a coveted player. 

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