A transfer from Alabama, Drew Sanders presents some decent upside as a prospect. Sanders played more as an edge rusher at Alabama before moving back to a more 4-3 OLB at Arkansas. He has great size and movement ability to play in a half-field system, and his youth could make him a very intriguing option for an NFL team looking to upgrade their linebacker corps.
Drew Sanders
4-3 OLB – Arkansas Razorbacks
HT: 6041
WT: 233
Year: Super Sophomore
High School: Ryan (Denton, TX)
Rating: 5-star (0.9896)
Projected Draft Grade: Future Starter
Projection: 2nd/3rd Round
Drew Sanders scouting notes
Pros:
- Very good athlete, that’s evident on tape immediately.
- Shows solid lateral quickness and changes direction well.
- Decent upper body strength.
- Very solid tackler. He struggles to close effectively but does a good job wrapping up and delivering some punishment.
- Takes decent pursuit angles. He works better to the boundary than he does working inside of the box.
- Very solid blitzer. Has tools to be a decent pass rusher. Knows how to use his hands and can get leverage to create bad spots for the offensive lineman to be placed into. Still can get overpowered and has bad reps, but not many.
- Settles into his zone well. Shows the ability to read and react to receivers entering his zone.
- Play recognition is good, not great.
Cons:
- Flashes the ability to win against offensive linemen, but isn’t consistent getting off of blocks.
- He still can get overpowered against offensive tackles and has a lot of bad reps.
- Tends to be too grabby in coverage.
- Understands how to stay disciplined at times. Other times, he’s leaving his assignment.
- Instincts flash at times, but just are not consistent.
