Tuesday, January 24, 2023

2023 NFL Draft Prospect LB Drew Sanders

LB Drew Sanders:

Scouting Reports:









Articles:

Lions' 2023 Draft Wants (SECOND ROUND - LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  If not Simpson or Campbell, Sanders would be a great linebacker for Detroit to target in the second round.  Sanders recorded a career-best 103 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss, and 9.5 sacks in his final season with the Razorbacks.) (4-27-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-2023-draft-wants

2023 NFL draft: Could the Lions be interested in upgrading their linebackers? (Sanders was a breakout player in his lone season at Arkansas. The Alabama transfer rocked 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles in 2022. Pro Football Focus had him creating 39 pressures. He’s a unique option to throw into blitz packages at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds.) (4-24-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/2023-nfl-draft-could-the-lions-be-interested-in-upgrading-their-linebackers.html

NFL draft LB preview: Lions hit big with 6th-round picks last year (Like running backs on offense, it takes a lot for an off-ball linebacker to crack the top of the first round on defense. And while Simpson, Campbell and Sanders are clearly the top off-ball linebackers in the draft, none is a candidate to do it.  Sanders, an Alabama transfer who made a top-30 visit to Detroit, adds versatility as a nickel pass rusher.  Campbell (6-5, 249) and Sanders (6-4, 235) are bigger linebackers who clog passing lanes with their size.) (4-22-23):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/22/nfl-draft-linebacker-class-detroit-lions/70141357007/

2023 NFL Draft: All-Pros, Pro Bowlers and overachievers in this class (RED STARS - On the “Move the Sticks” podcast, Daniel Jeremiah and I have previously discussed how scouts will stand on the table for guys they believe will outperform their draft status. In the scouting world, these players are called "red star" guys because they are destined to make their mark in the league despite circumstances. After surveying the 2023 class for players with the right skills and intangibles to perform better than their draft grades, here are my five red-star prospects to watch.  2.  Drew Sanders:  It is hard to find "Mike" linebackers with high-end pass-rushing skills. That's why coaches could fall in love with Sanders' versatility at the next level. As a super-sized inside linebacker with "green dot" potential as the leader of the defense, the Arkansas standout is a unique three-down player with disruptive skills as a run stopper and pass rusher.) (4-21-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-all-pros-pro-bowlers-and-overachievers-in-this-class

What Are Drew Sanders’ 4 Best NFL Team Fits? (4-20-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/drew-sanders-nfl-draft-bills-bucs-raiders-dolphins/

10 thoughts on the 2023 NFL draft with 10 days to go (Candidates for surprise first-rounders - One of the questions I get asked most on radio appearances and podcasts is, who could be a surprise first-round pick?  Earlier in the evaluation period, my standard answers were Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness and Tennessee OL Darnell Wright. Now those two are consensus top-20 picks; my final mock draft currently has them both in the top 10. So I’ve had to find new answers. Here are three: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders, TCU OL Steve Avila, Michigan DT Mazi Smith) (4-18-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-predictions-picks/

A look at the former five-star recruits in the 2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, Jalen Carter and Will Anderson Jr. top the list (54. LB DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS (Recruiting ranking: No. 27 overall in class of 2020):  Sanders saw 52 snaps in his freshman season as a backup edge defender for Alabama. He was once again a backup edge defender as a sophomore behind Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner. Sanders impressed as a run-defender that year as his 70.5 run-defense grade was a top-10 mark among SEC edge defenders with at least 275 snaps.   He transferred to Arkansas for this past season and transitioned to an off-ball linebacker. That move proved fruitful, as his 79.2 grade ranked second among SEC linebackers. Sanders still showed why he was originally an edge defender as his seven sacks and 30 pressures were top-five figures among all linebackers in the country.) (4-18-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-former-five-star-recruits-bryce-young-jalen-carter-will-anderson-jr


Top 10 LBs in the 2023 NFL Draft Include Trenton Simpson and Noah Sewell (1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Drew Sanders transferred from Alabama to Arkansas last offseason, and he looked like a completely different player. I don’t mean physically; Sanders switched from an on-ball linebacker with the Crimson Tide to off-ball in Fayetteville.  That versatility only boosts Sanders’ stock, who has the physical tools to operate as a traditional linebacker while also generating pressure as a blitzer or occasional EDGE. But at a position predicated on experience, Sanders’ upside — although one of the highest in the class — may not be enough to sway decision-makers into taking him with a premium selection on draft night.) (4-14-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-top-10-linebackers/

2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest the Lions (1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  A three-year player – two seasons at Alabama and his final 2022 season at Arkansas. Started all 12 games at Arkansas after starting only three of 24 games played at Alabama. After posting one sack at Alabama, Sanders had 9.5 in his one season at Arkansas.  Bottom line: Sanders transferred to show what he could do with more playing time, and it paid off – 13.5 tackles for loss to go with his 9.5 sacks.) (4-13-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-linebackers-lions-sanders-simpson-tootoo

2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each defensive position (2. Drew Sanders:  Drew Sanders is a former edge rusher who made the transition to off-ball linebacker this past season and was able to showcase good length and athleticism, not to mention natural pass-rushing ability when asked to collapse the pocket. His tackling reliability and coverage instincts need work, but that was to be expected with it being his first year at the position.) (4-13-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-defense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema

2023 NFL Draft linebacker rankings: Who's behind Drew Sanders? (1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas, 6-4, 235, Junior - Overview: Sanders may have emerged as the most intriguing off-ball linebacker prospect in the 2023 NFL draft as a member of the Razorbacks, but he started his college career as an edge rusher at Alabama, which signed him as the No. 1 prep prospect out of the football-rich state of Texas back in 2020. Even a highly regarded prospect like Sanders had to earn his playing time and he spent much of his freshman season on special teams and as a reserve, prior to carving out more playing time as a sophomore, starting three games and recording 24 tackles on the season, including 3.5 for loss and a sack. Rather than wait another year to challenge for a starting role at Alabama, Sanders opted to transfer to Arkansas, where the Razorbacks asked Sanders to switch to a more traditional off-ball role. Sanders took to the new role like a ‘Hog in the mud, becoming a consensus All-American and the first Butkus Award finalist in Arkansas' long history, leading the team in tackles (103), tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (9.5) in one of the country's most exhilarating breakout performances.  Strengths: An ascending talent whose best football is still ahead of him. Currently late to locate, at times, but is quick to the ball once he does. A more nimble athlete than his size and position suggest, showing impressive body control to slip through traffic on his way to the ball. Showed steady improvement as an open-field tackler as the 2022 season went on, as evidenced by the fact he was charged with 10 missed tackles in 2022 by Pro Football Focus over the first seven games of the season, with zero missed stops in the final five contests (Auburn, Liberty, LSU, Ole Miss, Missouri) prior to opting out of the bowl game. He's a grabby tackler with active hands to poke the ball free, forcing three fumbles in 2022. Concerns: A work in progress. He's still developing diagnosis skills and take-on technique. Lacks the anticipation of more experienced linebackers, taking an extra second of play time to process the action, at times, and getting caught in the wash, as a result. Sanders’ height is actually a hindrance in some ways at inside linebacker as his big frame gives an even bigger strike zone for blockers to target. Further, when he misses tackles, it often is a result of Sanders hitting the ballcarrier too high — often chest-level — rather than at the waist or lower and wrapping securely. Bottom Line: Sanders’ evaluations are all over the map in part because he is a projection as only a one-year starter at inside linebacker. His biggest issue, frankly, is inexperience, correctable with time and coaching. There might be some rough moments early with Sanders, but I see an ascending weapon who offers a lot of scheme and positional versatility with Pro Bowl upside.  Grade: Top 20) (4-11-23):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-off-ball-linebackers-drew-sanders-leads-intriguing-group

Lions have pre-draft visits scheduled with a pair of Tennessee Volunteers (2nd round: Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Sanders will be the top off-ball LB on many draft boards, in part because he offers the ability to also play as a stand-up pass rusher, a la Micah Parsons of the Cowboys.  The 6-4, 235-pounder transferred from Alabama to Arkansas for 2022 so he could start — something he never did for the Crimson Tide. Sanders was at his best attacking the quarterback through D-line gaps, something Lions fans have seen from Anzalone in the last two years. The athleticism and straight-line speed are NFL-ready, and the versatility to play any LB spot is valuable.  There are more than a few instances on game film where Sanders reminds you he’s a one-year starter; he’s often lost in blocking, and his missed tackle rate of 20 percent is astronomical. Sanders is a high-upside prospect with emerging skills but not necessarily one who would play ahead of Derrick Barnes or Malcolm Rodriguez a lot as a rookie.) (4-8-23):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/08/lions-pre-draft-visits-tennessee-volunteers-hendon-hooker-darnell-wright-nfl-draft-prospects/


Drew Sanders, top linebacker prospect, reportedly has pre-draft visit with Lions (4-7-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/04/drew-sanders-top-linebacker-prospect-reportedly-has-pre-draft-visit-with-lions.html

Top LB Prospect Drew Sanders: 'Love' the Lions Coaches (4-7-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/drew-sanders-loves-detroit-lions-coaches

Arkansas LB Drew Sanders takes us through his NFL draft preparation (4-7-23):  https://www.freep.com/videos/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/07/nfl-draft-arkansas-drew-sanders-preparation/11621470002/

2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 linebackers (3. Drew Sanders, Arkansas (Height: 6′ 4⅛” (96th percentile), Weight: 235 (33rd), Arm Length: 32⅛” (43rd), Hand Size: 9¾” (61st)) - Bio: Everybody wanted Sanders out of Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, but Nick Saban bagged him for Alabama over offers from Oklahoma, LSU, Georgia, Notre Dame, Oregon and Penn State. Primarily an edge defender for the Crimson Tide in 2020 and 2021 (338 snaps on the defensive line, and just five in the box), Sanders chose to transfer to Arkansas for the 2022 season to move to a more traditional linebacker role — albeit with a lot of pass-rushing pop. In 2022 for the Razorbacks, Sanders had 11 sacks, 39 total pressures, 63 tackles, 43 stops, and he allowed 21 catches on 26 targets for 227 yards, 210 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, one interception, two pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 87.0.  Stat to Know: Sanders lined up along the edge on 20% of his snaps last season, amassing five sacks and 17 total pressures when he did so.  Strengths: Sanders has a real knack for getting to the quarterback whether he’s off-ball or on the edge; when he’s at the second level, he uses his closing speed (which is ridiculous for an off-ball linebacker) and range to close the distance between himself and the quarterback in a big hurry, even if he’s spying at first. Sanders can get to fifth gear right away.  Bryce Young discovered this last season in a highly unpleasant fashion.  Sanders can also bring his edge experience to the table with some nice speed-to-power stuff.  These attributes, as well as Sanders’ ability to take on blockers (running backs don’t like him very much at all in this regard), make him a plus run defender.  Weaknesses: Because he has just one year of experience as a true linebacker, Sanders is very raw in pass coverage. He struggles to pick up keys and will be left flat-footed more often than you’d like, even against short, easy stuff.  That off-ball inexperience also makes itself clear when Sanders tries to take on blocks in the run game, as opposed to just shooting gaps as a blitzer would. This is also a work in progress.  Conclusion: Sanders’ NFL team will have a series of fascinating discussions about his potential. There is an argument to be made that you just make him a pass-rusher most of the time, and forget about the linebacker stuff. On the other hand, if Sanders can get the hang of the nuances of the linebacker position over the next couple of seasons to add to all his existing attributes, he could be a true one-of-one player in the league. He’s a downhill linebacker and pass-rusher from Day 1; the question is, how much more can he become?  NFL Comparison: Connor Barwin. The Texans took Barwin in the second round of the 2009 draft out of Cincinnati, and while Barwin always had a decent number of snaps in the box throughout his career with Houston, the Eagles, the Rams, and the Giants, he was primarily an edge guy — and a very good one at his peak, with three seasons of double-digit sacks. Sanders profiles pretty well in that same way.) (4-5-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-linebackers-trenton-simpson-drew-sanders-jack-campbell/

Who Will Be 1st LB Taken In 2023 NFL Draft? (THE NO. 1 CONTENDER: DREW SANDERS - Trailing not far behind Campbell (+120) is Arkansas’ Sanders (+125). A fluid athlete, Sanders has three-down potential that blends a downhill, thumping mindset with coverage abilities. Sanders is extremely fluid for a 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker.  Campbell fills and fits gaps in the run game. In coverage, Campbell reaches his landmarks in zone coverage and crowds middle-of-field throwing lanes for opposing quarterbacks. A former EDGE, Campbell’s first-step explosiveness is notable and he plays with a red-hot motor on a snap-by-snap basis. Sanders is still new to the linebacker position, but the sky’s the limit considering his rare traits.) (4-4-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-first-lb-drafted/

Pro Day News and Rumors: Deonte Banks, Calijah Kancey, and Drew Sanders Solidify Draft Stock (Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, who did not run at the Combine, turned in an impressive workout. His 40 times ranged from 4.57 to 4.65 seconds, and he touched 37″ in the vertical jump.  Sanders looked equally athletic during drills and translated that speed onto the field. He’ll now compete with Trenton Simpson of Clemson and Jack Campbell of Iowa to be the second true linebacker drafted after Nolan Smith.) (3-30-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pro-day-news-and-rumors-deonte-banks-calijah-kancey-drew-sanders-solidify-draft-stock/

Ranking the top off-ball linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft class (Tier 1 - Drew Sanders (Arkansas), 6-foot-4, 235 pounds:  Though there are no Roquan Smith-level prospects that are expected to go in the top half of the first round, this draft still has some high-end linebacker talent in the Day 2 range, with maybe one or two that could sneak into the first round. Sanders leads this list for me because he has a nice blend of size, elite potential, and solid production.  In 2022, Sanders transferred to Arkansas and transitioned full-time to an off-ball linebacker role after playing primarily edge rusher for Alabama. With only one year of experience as an off-the-ball linebacker, Sanders looked surprisingly comfortable in his role.  Sanders has elite lateral agility and sideline-to-sideline speed, plus he’s extremely flexible when sifting his way through blocks as an ILB or turning around the edge as a pass rusher.  With his lack of experience, Sanders has some room for improvement. His 19.6 percent missed tackle rate was alarmingly high in 2022, and he could stand to add some more weight to his frame as well. But with the Lions already set with their starting LBs in Alex Anzalone and Malcolm Rodriguez, Sanders would be in a perfect situation to learn behind those two and the Lions could bring him along slowly, similar to what they did with Kerby Joseph last year.  How he fits: MIKE linebacker, but has the experience and skill set to occasionally rush the passer.  Round grade: Second round) (3-30-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/30/23653309/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-off-ball-linebackers-in-this-years-class

Linebacker Lions Could Target in Each Round of 2023 NFL Draft (Round 1 — Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Sanders seems to be the consensus top player at the position heading into the draft. He has gone back and forth with Trenton Simpson of Clemson among the big boards throughout the offseason.  There’s a lot to like about the Arkansas product. He has the necessary size, standing 6-foot-5, and uses it to his benefit. He finished the 2022 season with 103 total tackles, including 13.5 for loss.  Sanders brings good potential as a blitzer through the middle of a defense, which was a role he had success in with the Razorbacks. He also brings a similar play style to 2022 sixth-round pick Malcolm Rodriguez. The two could form a solid duo in the middle of Detroit’s defense.) (3-28-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/linebacker-lions-could-target-each-round-2023-nfl-draft

How every five-star recruit in the 2020 class has graded so far in their college football career (27. LB DREW SANDERS, ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (Career Grade: 71.4 (1,182 snaps)):  Sanders played 52 snaps in his freshman season as a backup edge defender for the Crimson Tide. He was once again a backup edge defender as a sophomore behind Anderson and Turner. Sanders impressed as a run defender that year, as his 70.5 run-defense grade was a top-10 mark among SEC edge defenders with at least 275 snaps.   He transferred to Arkansas for this past season and transitioned to an off-ball linebacker., which proved fruitful, as his 79.2 grade was second among SEC linebackers. Sanders still showed why he was originally an edge defender, as his seven sacks and 30 pressures were top-five figures among all linebackers in the country. He’s the No. 3 linebacker on our big board and is considered a second-round prospect.) (3-24-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-how-every-five-star-recruit-in-the-2020-class-has-graded-so-far-in-their-college-football-career

2023 NFL Draft: Linebacker prospect superlatives (BEST BLITZER: DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS - This one could have been Pace as well, but he doesn’t have near the prototypical physical traits to translate the way Sanders does. Sanders is a former edge-rusher who transitioned off-ball when he transferred to Arkansas. Those pass-rushing skills didn’t go anywhere, though, as he racked up 39 pressures and 11 sacks still last season.) (3-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-linebacker-prospect-superlatives-2023-nfl-draft

2023 NFL draft: 4 prospects who should be drafted in the 1st round but probably won't (LB Drew Sanders - Arkansas:  Alabama transfer who can cover a tremendous amount of the first as a run-stopper or in coverage. Drew Sanders is even more valuable in that he can line up as an off-ball linebacker one play and an edge rusher the next.) (3-18-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-drew-sanders-bryan-bresee/

2023 NFL Draft: Drew Sanders scouting report (3-14-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-drew-sanders-scouting-report/

Pro Day 2023: Full schedule, what to watch for as top prospects continue preparing for NFL Draft (Arkansas (March 29) - Biggest opportunity: EDGE/LB Drew Sanders.  Sanders didn't test in Indy but, of course, measured-in. A fixture in the first-round of mock drafts, the former Alabama-turned-Arkansas star was 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds with arms just over 32 inches. He's built like a tall off-ball 'backer but registerd 39 pressures on 148 pass-rush snaps, mostly as an edge rusher in 2022. He's bendy with burst and deceptive power. Sanders will be able to show everyone how close he is athletically to Smith from Georgia, who tested like a fast wide receiver. With a strong showing at his pro day, Sanders can re-establish himself as the first off-ball linebacker/edge rusher hybrid in the class.) (3-13-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/pro-day-2023-full-schedule-what-to-watch-for-as-top-prospects-continue-preparing-for-nfl-draft/

Best linebackers available in the 2023 NFL Draft and free agency (Drew Sanders, Arkansas (55)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-best-linebackers-2023-nfl-draft-2023-free-agency

2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 linebacker's highest-graded season ( DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS (Big board rank: 55/LB3, Best PFF grade: 77.8 - 2022, 2022 Coverage grade: 74.3, 2022 Run-defense grade: 70.8, 2022 Pass-rush grade: 75.3)) (3-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-linebackers-highest-graded-season

Nine prospects that need strong Pro Day performances (Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:  Sanders did not exactly win the weigh-in so that puts more stress on his athletic testing. The problem is that Sanders did not do any of the athletic testing at the NFL Combine. When he returns to Fayetteville for his Pro Day, he will need to restore faith in his ability to make plays in space and rushing the passer. The idea of him going in the first round relies on those traits.) (3-8-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-bryce-young-myles-murphy-are-among-those-that-need-strong-pro-day-showings/

NFL Combine takeaways by position: Anthony Richardson's speed, Bryce Young's size & more we learned about 2023 draft (Linebackers: Iowa's Jack Campbell comes out of the great wide open - With Alabama's Trenton Simpson, Oregon's Noah Sewell and Alabama's Henry To'o To'o all slipping on boards at a fickle position, Arkansas safety hybrid Drew Sanders was working into prime position to be the first linebacker off the board. Sanders didn't need to do drills to prove himself, but Jack Campbell knew that he did.   Campbell came into the combine see as a run-stopping thumper. He came out of it with teams seeing much more of his plus athleticism and range to serve as nice assets in pass defense. Campbell (6-5, 249 pounds) now has the feel of a classic second-rounder in the DeMeco Ryans (6-1, 247 pounds) mold.) (3-6-23):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2023-takeaways-anthony-richardson-bryce-young/ptpjkejssvw6s1dt6ghwfag0

NFL Combine results: 10 standouts from the linebacker group (Drew Sanders, Arkansas, 6-foot-4 1/2, 235
40: DNP.  I really wish Sanders would have run because it could have been the cherry on top of an otherwise terrific performance. Sanders looks like he can do it all. He drops with ease into coverage, accelerates upfield with elite quickness, and can pass rush with aggression. With his size/athleticism combination, he’s a Day 1 starter.) (3-2-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/3/23622406/2023-nfl-combine-results-10-standouts-linebacker-winners-losers

2023 NFL Combine Stock Report - Linebackers (Up - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:  I thought Drew Sanders would have a chance to show off at the combine, but believed he would do so with his testing numbers. Sanders didn't jump or run the 40, yet he was still great in Indianapolis because he was one of the top performers in the drills.) (3-2-23):  https://walterfootball.com/combine2023stockLB.php

2023 NFL Scouting Combine stock up/stock down, Day 1: Nolan Smith displays electric athleticism (Stock Down - Drew Sanders:  Considered one of the most athletic linebackers in this year’s class, Sanders chose not to participate in any testing on Thursday. While the former Arkansas linebacker measured at 6-foot-4 3/8, his 235-pound frame and average arm length (32 1/8 inches) are unlikely to excite teams. He looked quick moving in a straight line during position drills, as expected with his lean build, but he’s not elite when it comes to change of direction. Sanders has received first-round buzz, but on Thursday he reminded me more of 2022 Day 2 selections like Troy Andersen and Chad Muma.) (3-2-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-scouting-combine-stock-up-stock-down-day-1-nolan-smith-displays-electri

NFL Draft: Defensive positional rankings pre-combine (2. LB Drew Sanders:  Sanders, an Alabama transfer, has spot edge rusher potential in addition to having the size necessary to hold up at the point of attack.) (2-27-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-jalen-carter-will-anderson-jr-atop-pre-combine-list-of-best-defensive-prospects-by-position/

2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 linebackers the Lions should be watching (Drew Sanders, MIKE, Arkansas, 6-foot-5, 232:  Sanders may be the only plug-and-play starter in this draft cycle. A former five-star edge rusher at Alabama, Sanders transferred to Arkansas and switched to a stack linebacker role. While Sanders is an instinctual playmaker, he is also still new to the position, though he is much further along than Barnes (who made a similar transition in college) was when the Lions drafted him. 3-4 teams will be looking at Sanders as a multi-positional player, while 4-3/4-2 teams will likely keep him in a stack role and create opportunities for him to rush the passer via the A- and B-gaps.) (2-27-23):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/27/23615282/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-linebackers-detroit-lions-watch

2023 NFL Draft Wilson Top 25 Big Board: Bryce Young is No. 1; a top-four QB misses the cut (21. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:  One of the best athletes in this entire class. Sanders is a former five-star prospect who began his college career at Alabama and transferred to Arkansas when he was stuck behind Will Anderson and Dallas Turner (the former will be a top five pick, the latter a likely first-rounder a year from now). For the Razorbacks, Sanders lined up everywhere -- on the edge, in the slot and primarily as an off-ball linebacker. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and movement skills you're more likely to find in defensive backs.) (2-27-23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-top-25-big-board-bryce-young-is-no-1-a-top-four-qb-misses-the-cut/

10 Players Who Could ‘Win’ 2023 NFL Combine (LB  Drew Sanders:  Sanders is our scouting team’s No. 1-ranked linebacker in this class ahead of the NFL Combine, and his time in Indianapolis will be a great opportunity for him to show why that’s the case. He converted from an edge rusher to an off-ball linebacker with the Razorbacks this year and showed off tons of upside at his new position this year thanks to his length and fluidity in pass coverage.  Obviously, he also has tons of upside as a pass-rusher with his background as an edge defender at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas. Sanders is an excellent athlete at the position and can demonstrate just how explosive and rangy he is at the NFL Combine this year. ) (2-26-23):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-combine-2023-roster-prospects/

VIDEO: Which under-the-radar prospects will be household names after the scouting combine? (Luke: Man, I’ve gotta cheat here. There are a few guys I think fall into this category, and I’m excited to watch them all. Arkansas LB Drew Sanders was a 5-star recruit to Alabama, and has a great blend of size, length, athleticism and versatility that teams should fall in love with in Indy.) (2-26-23):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2023/02/26/2023-nfl-draft-underrated-calijah-kancey-julius-brents/

5 Linebackers for Lions to Watch at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine (Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Sanders will be a favorite of many teams because of his size. Standing in at 6-foot-5, he’s a strong figure who made waves in his first and only season with the Razorbacks.  Before the 2022 campaign, though, he was a rotational player at Alabama. He transferred to Arkansas, and took advantage of the bigger role. Viewed as one of the top linebacker prospects in the draft, he’ll have to prove that the production that made him an All-SEC linebacker a season ago is sustainable.) (2-25-23):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-combine-preview-linebackers

2023 NFL combine: Could this be the draft the Lions target an early linebacker? (Drew Sanders, Arkansas: Talk about taking advantage of a new opportunity. Drew Sanders played two seasons at Alabama, then broke out during his junior year at Arkansas. He stuffed box scores with 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles. PFF had him creating 39 pressures, too, so Sanders might be able to add a new element to blitz and pressure looks. He’s 6-foot-5, 230 pounds and could be a sneaky early-round option.) (2-25-23):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2023/02/2023-nfl-combine-could-this-be-the-draft-the-lions-target-an-early-linebacker.html

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Linebacker (5. DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS (BIG BOARD RANK: 95):  Sanders is so raw for an experience-driven position like linebacker that it's hard to justify spending a premium pick on his “upside.”) (2-22-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-linebacker

2023 Combine preview: Linebacker (1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas, 6-5, 232:  Sanders has terrific size, speed and range for the position. He was only a one-year starter, so there's room to grow and develop, but teams have to love the production in the SEC with 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, one interception, five passes defended, one fumble recovery and three forced fumbles.) (2-20-23):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-combine-preview-linebacker-sanders-simpson-sewell

Bucky Brooks' top five 2023 NFL Draft prospects by position 1.0: Stroud, Young, Hooker top QB rankings (1.  Drew Sanders:  Seeking tackling machines with outstanding instincts and high football IQs? You've come to the right draft class! Sanders is a throwback linebacker with the size, strength and awareness to control the middle. With the Alabama/Arkansas product also displaying disruptive pass-rush skills, defensive coordinators will salivate over his potential as an impactful second-level defender.)  (2-16-23):  https://www.nfl.com/news/bucky-brooks-top-five-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-1-0-stroud-young-hook

2023 NFL draft film room: Arkansas LB Drew Sanders (2-16-23):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-drew-sanders-arkansas-highlights/

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl (Up - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:   Sanders is in the running to be the top non-pass-rushing linebacker prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft, although he is dangerous quarterback hunter as well. The 6-foot-5, 232-pounder has big size to go along with quality speed and athleticism. Sanders also showed serious pass-rush ability as a junior with Arkansas. In 2022, he recorded 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and five passes defended. Sanders was a 1-year wonder after being a backup at Alabama in 2020-2021, totaling 25 tackles and a sack over those two seasons.  When serving as a traditional linebacker, Sanders does not play downhill, but he is a lightning bolt and explosive coming downhill when rushing the passer. Sanders has the speed and ability to become a three-down starter who could be a hybrid linebacker and pass rusher. I think Sanders will work out well at the combine and pro day, hence I have him in as a top-20 pick of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft.) (2-14-23):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_23.php

2023 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-All-Star Games II (Up - Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:  Sanders is in the running to be the top non-pass-rushing linebacker prospect for the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 232-pounder has big size to go along with quality speed and athleticism. Sanders also showed serious pass-rush ability as a junior. In 2022, he recorded 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and five passes defended. Sanders does not play downhill, but he has the speed and ability to become a three-down starter at the next level. He could be a first- or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.) (1-24-23):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_21.php

2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 linebacker prospects (1. DREW SANDERS, ARKANSAS (RS SOPHOMORE | 6-5, 233) (2022 PFF Grade: 77.9, Play Style: Off-Ball/On-Ball Hybrid, Initial Round Projection: Early Day 2):  Sanders is a former edge rusher who blossomed as an off-ball linebacker in his first year with Arkansas after transferring from Alabama. So many schemes around the league are looking for off-ball linebackers that are mismatch nightmares as blitzers and can run like gazelles — Sanders ticks those boxes. He racked up a ridiculous 11 sacks this season as a blitzer.  Now, there were some growing pains to the position switch that kept him from being a sure-fire first-rounder. He overran ball carriers a lot and whiffed on way more tackles than you’d like (19.6% missed tackle rate on the season). Although to his credit, he was much better down the stretch with only four missed tackles in his final five games.) (1-10-23):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-linebacker-rankings

Top 10 LBs in the 2023 NFL Draft Include Trenton Simpson and Noah Sewell (2. Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Drew Sanders transferred from Alabama to Arkansas last offseason, and he has looked like a completely different player. I don’t mean physically; Sanders switched from an on-ball linebacker with the Crimson Tide to off-ball in Fayetteville.  That versatility only boosts Sanders’ stock, who has the physical tools to operate as a stack linebacker while also generating pressure as a blitzer or occasional EDGE. It may take a creative defensive coordinator to unlock his maximum upside, but the skill set is there to mold him into a three-down defender.) (1-4-23):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-top-10-linebackers/

Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Drew Sanders as the top Linebacker in the NFL Draft (12-24-22):  https://razorbackswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/24/mel-kiper-ranks-drew-sanders-as-the-top-linebacker-in-the-nfl-draft/

2023 NFL Draft: Reacting to the AP All-American First Team Selections (Some other defenders have a decent shot at the first round. USC EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu was arguably the best defensive player in college football this season; a team might gamble on his tremendous production and top-shelf physical tools. Meanwhile, Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, Utah cornerback Clark Phillips III, Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and Georgia safety Christopher Smith are all in the running for the first round.  Sanders and Witherspoon surprised some this year with their extraordinary play, and NFL scouts are studying them closely to see if they each merit first-round selection.) (12-18-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-reacting-to-the-ap-all-american-first-team-selections


2023 NFL Draft News: Heisman Finalist C.J. Stroud Entering Draft Following Playoff? (Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, a transfer from Alabama, is also debating whether or not to enter the draft. The junior, who was on nobody’s radar at the start of the season, played brilliantly, totaling 103 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and six PBUs.) (12-7-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-news-heisman-finalist-cj-stroud-entering-draft-after-cfp/

2022 All-SEC College Football Team and Individual Honors (All-SEC Defense Honors - Linebacker of the Year:  Drew Sanders, Arkansas.  First-Team All-SEC Defense - LB: Drew Sanders, Arkansas) (12-6-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/all-sec-college-football-team-and-individual-honors-2022/


2022 PFF College All-SEC Team: Tennessee WR Jalin Hyatt, Alabama EDGE Will Anderson Jr. and more (FIRST TEAM - Defense:  LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas) (11-30-22):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2022-pff-all-sec-team-tennessee-jalin-hyatt-alabama-will-anderson-jr

Hot Take Tuesday: Drew Sanders is the Best Linebacker in the 2023 Draft (11-29-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/hot-take-tuesday-drew-sanders-is-the-best-linebacker-in-the-2023-nfl-draft

Draft watch: 7 prospects, including Arkansas LB Drew Sanders (Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas (junior)
6-foot-5, 232 pounds:  Sanders opened his college career at Alabama and was used as an EDGE rusher. After transferring to Arkansas, the Razorbacks shifted him to a hybrid role, primarily as a stack backer with some pass rushing mixed in. As he is still new to the position, Sanders is still working through the learning curve but he looks like a Day 2 prospect based on his upside.  Lions fit: Sanders is basically taking the same path that Derrick Barnes did, and if he enters the NFL this season, he will have just one year of starting experience, which could drop his stock into the range the Lions would consider him. Currently, his projected role in the NFL would be very similar to Barnes.  An excerpt from The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs profile of Sanders:  “Sanders is implemented as a hybrid linebacker who can rush from the edge or play in stack alignments behind the defensive front. A true EDGE at Alabama, Sanders is uncovering new opportunities for himself as a member of the Razorback front. His hallmark physical traits include his physicality, good initial burst, and tackling skills. Sanders has starred as a weapon who has been charged with moving around the front, allowing him to slice through the front. Some of his other flashes come in shallow spaces to contain rush and convert into an attack role when the quarterback breaks contain to his area, including his rushes against Alabama. Sanders has some fluidity to his frame as well, offering optimism that he could indeed be a stack player at the NFL level and not just a college experiment for the Razorback defense.”) (11-12-22):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2022/11/12/23448552/detroit-lions-2023-nfl-draft-watch-7-prospects-drew-sanders

Razorbacks’ Drew Sanders Plays Way into National Spotlight (11-1-22):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/hogs-football/hogs-drew-sanders-makes-list-for-two-awards

2023 NFL Draft Scouting the Nation: A Razorbacks LB on a Meteoric Rise (LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Coming into the season, I was high on Sanders, who flashed a lot of upside at Alabama, but he’s taken his game to another level in a full-time role at Arkansas. He was a traditional pass rusher at Alabama, but Arkansas has used him in many ways. He can rush the passer, but Sanders has also been used as a stack linebacker, where his speed, explosiveness and instincts have stood out.  Sanders has been the definition of a playmaker who works well in space and can come downhill fast to make plays near the line of scrimmage. Expect Sanders to test off the charts at the combine and check every box regarding his measurables. The thing that stands out the most in Sanders’ film is his motor.  For such a naturally talented player, Sanders plays through the whistle, leading to impact plays for the Razorbacks. Sanders is the complete package as a linebacker and is only scratching the surface of what he can be at the next level.  With a good pre-draft process, Sanders could be the first linebacker off the board next April.) (10-26-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-the-nation-a-razorback-linebacker-on-a-meteoric-rise

CFN’s College Football Midseason All-Americans 2022 (1st-Team Defense - LB: Drew Sanders, Arkansas:  Drew Sanders rounds out the LB group, as he’s flown to the football for Arkansas. Sanders has six solo sacks as well as a handful of tackles for loss or no gain in coverage.) (10-17-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfns-college-football-midseason-all-americans-2022/

College football Week 5 live reactions, results, and takeaways (Drew Sanders showing off rare ability against Alabama.  4:25PM- The modern NFL, especially on defense, rewards versatility. You’ll find few who offer more of it in the 2023 NFL Draft class than Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders. Sanders is 6’5″, 230 pounds, and has played both in space and off the edge for the Razorbacks. He’s a freak athlete who stresses players in both phases with his speed and explosiveness.  On Alabama’s recent drive, Sanders made a crucial third-down sack in pursuit on Bryce Young — after first dropping into coverage and getting ten-plus yards of depth. His closing range is absolutely insane. It’s hard to think he won’t be coveted when he enters the draft. IC) (10-1-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-5-live-reactions-results-and-takeaways/

2023 NFL Draft Board: Top Prospect Battles To Watch In Week 5 (Alabama OT Tyler Steen vs. Arkansas EDGE Drew Sanders:  From a bird’s eye view, this is a very intriguing cosmetic clash. On one side, you have Tyler Steen, a prospect who came to Alabama to boost his stock. And on the other side, you have Drew Sanders — the current NCAA sack leader with six — who left Alabama to boost his stock after falling below Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner on the depth chart. At 6’5″, 230 pounds, Sanders is a freak athlete with the burst, bend, and length to stress tackles even without solid contact. At 6’5″, 316 pounds, Steen has the size and strength to subdue Sanders, but Sanders can be a major problem from wider alignments.) (9-30-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-board-top-prospect-battles-to-watch-in-week-5/

Top NFL Draft Prospects To Watch In CFB Week 5: Can Jeblonski Green, Freddie Roberson, And Others Shine? (Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas:  Even as the transfer portal becomes a more frequently utilized tool for prospects to elevate their NFL draft stock, having the opportunity to return to a former program in a “revenge game” is rare. Yet as Alabama and Arkansas prepare to face off in one of the premier matchups of college football Week 5, that’s exactly what linebacker Drew Sanders has the opportunity to do this weekend.  Sanders has been unequivocally one of the top defensive players in the nation this fall. He’s beginning to realize the elite athletic potential that made him a heavily-recruited five-star high school prospect and the number one “athlete” in the 2020 recruiting class.  He already has seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles to his name this year. Furthermore, he was named PFN’s Defensive Player of the Week earlier in the season.  Sanders flies around the field with dangerous intentions. The athletic allure that oozed out of his recruiting profile is evident in every play. As a result, he can impact the opposition offense with his sideline-to-sideline speed while possessing pass rush upside with speed and explosion.  The Arkansas linebacker also displays coverage ability — aided by his 6’5″ height and impressive length — to be an effective and dangerous weapon in all phases of defense.) (9-29-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-cfb-week-5-2022/

Roman Wilson vs. Riley Moss, other Week 5 matchups NFL scouts will be watching (Given that this is a matchup of two top-20 teams with legitimate NFL-caliber quarterbacks (Bama's Young and Arkansas’ KJ Jefferson), it would be easy to focus on this position and ignore everything else. For a multitude of reasons, however, I love the "one-on-one" battle brewing between Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders. Having flashed the past couple of seasons as a reserve for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, Sanders likely circled this reunion as a chance at redemption after transferring to Fayetteville, where he’s since emerged as a star, leading both the SEC and country with six sacks through four games.   Saban has enjoyed stellar play at running back since taking over as head coach at Alabama, and Gibbs — a Georgia Tech transfer — is a future NFL draft pick, as well. He is not your classic Alabama running back, however, demonstrating greater vision, agility and receiving skills than the downhill "thumper" mentality we’ve seen from Brian Robinson, Jr., Najee Harris, Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram and the like. Gibbs, in fact, has three touchdown receptions on the year but has yet to score on the ground. Sanders, on the other hand, has shown exciting pass rush skills from his linebacker position, as well as range, patience and sound wrap-up skills as an open-field tackler. Saban and his staff know him (and his limitations in coverage) quite well, however, making this a key matchup for college fans and pro scouts, alike. ) (9-29-22):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/roman-wilson-vs-riley-moss-other-week-5-matchups-nfl-scouts-will-be-watching

SEC Standouts: 6 Players Dominating College Football (Drew Sanders LB, Arkansas:  The second Razorback on the list, Sanders has been extremely impressive. A transfer from Alabama and one of the more athletic second-level defenders in the country, he is currently tied for the nation lead in sacks (5.5) and is an energizer bunny that has no issue ranging sideline to sideline. He’ll be a fun chess piece for a team at the next level.) (9-26-22):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/sec-best-players-college-football-2022/

2023 NFL Draft: 5 SEC Players on Radars After Strong Start (LB Drew Sanders, Arkansas
Drew Sanders Arkansas:  After a close game against the Bobby Petrino-coached Missouri State Bears, Arkansas is 3-0 and the consensus No. 10 team in the country. That’s a massive turnaround from where this team was before the arrival of head coach Sam Pittman, and one reason for this shift is the way that Arkansas’s defense has played over the last few seasons. Safety Jalen Catalon and linebacker Bumper Pool are getting a lot of the NFL Draft attention among this group, but Sanders may be the best player on the defense right now. He’s only a junior, so he may return to school after the season, but his early numbers have been gaudy and he has been basically unblockable. Sanders currently leads the SEC with six sacks, while the next closest player has four. If he declares for the draft, he will get some serious looks at linebacker and EDGE.) (9-19-22):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/2023-nfl-draft-5-sec-players-on-radars-after-strong-start

2023 NFL Draft Sleepers: Drew Sanders Makes A Dramatic Resurgence At Arkansas (Drew Sanders, OLB, Arkansas:  If Drew Sanders’ name is familiar to you, it’s not an accident. Not long ago, Sanders was at Alabama, making flash plays on a very talented defense. But after a 2021 campaign in which his involvement stagnated, Sanders transferred to Arkansas, where he’s already become a defensive star.  The true junior plays both in space and on the edge, possessing elite size and length with impressive range at 6’5″ and 230 pounds. He’s an agile short-area mover with pass-rushing capabilities, but he can also seal off the boundary in pursuit. Sanders has high upside, and it was especially evident against South Carolina.) (9-14-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-sleepers-drew-sanders-makes-a-dramatic-resurgence-at-arkansas/

Drew Sanders Silencing Any Linebacker Questions for Hogs (9-12-22):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/hogs-football/drew-sanders-silences-questions-at-linebacker

Week 2 College Football Team Of The Week: Khalan Laborn, Kyle Vantrease Spark Major Upsets (Linebacker: Drew Sanders, Arkansas - The Arkansas defense swarmed to the football against South Carolina. Leading the pack more often than not was Drew Sanders.  Single-handedly stopping multiple drives, the Razorback LB put forth one of the better performances from a linebacker in this young season. Embodying the Arkansas tenacity, Sanders came downhill incredibly well and recorded 11 total tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and was an important piece in the flats, covering a ton of ground with ease in pass defense.) (9-11-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-team-of-the-week-week-2-2022/

Week 2 College Football Players Of The Week: Caleb Williams Shines In Sensational Win Over Stanford (Defensive Player of the Week: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas - It’s not that long ago that Drew Sanders was a highly coveted four-star high school recruit who could have made a college career playing tight end if it wasn’t for a decision to focus on the defensive side of the ball during a two-year stint at Alabama. He might be lining up for a different team in red this fall, but Sanders’ play in Saturday’s win over South Carolina looked like something that belonged to that special Alabama linebacker lineage.  Sanders was everywhere on Saturday. He was famed for his athletic prowess as a high school recruit, and that was on full display as he flew into the backfield to spear Spencer Rattler. By the end of a torrid afternoon for the South Carolina offense, he’d tallied 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, one quarterback hurry, and even getting involved in coverage with a pass breakup. It was a forceful, all-consuming linebacker performance that former Arkansas linebacker Grant Morgan would be proud of.) (9-11-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-2-college-football-players-of-the-week-2022/

2023 NFL Draft: Under-the-radar prospects who could have breakout seasons, emerge as early-round draft picks (Drew Sanders, EDGE, Arkansas:  Sanders transferred from Alabama after the season. Depth is always a hurdle in Tuscaloosa, as even the most talented players can find themselves down the depth chart waiting for a moment to flash. Dallas Turner and Will Anderson Jr. are among the most talented players in the nation regardless of position.   Sanders started three of the 12 games in which he appeared last season and recorded one sack. His decision to transfer opens him up for a breakout season with the Razorbacks and it begins Sep. 3 against Cincinnati.) (8-26-22):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-under-the-radar-prospects-who-could-have-breakout-seasons-emerge-as-early-round-draft-picks/

Arkansas’ 2023 NFL Draft prospects headlined by Jalen Catalon and Ricky Stromberg (Drew Sanders, LB:  Another defensive transfer who could emerge as a 2023 NFL Draft prospect for Arkansas is Drew Sanders. The former five-star prospect saw substantial snaps for Alabama last season before entering the transfer portal. Sanders offers Arkansas an exceptional athlete who at 6’5″ and 232 pounds has the size and length to be impactful in multiple phases of the game. Sanders also boasts special teams experience from his two seasons with Alabama.) (6-3-22):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/arkansas-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-headlined-by-jalen-catalon-ricky-stromberg/


Posted by LionsFan at 8:04 PM

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