Drew Sanders

Arkansas LB

Games Watched: South Carolina, Texas A&M, Alabama

Summary: Drew Sanders is an edge rusher converted to linebacker and that shows in his pass rushing reps. He has a good bullrush and effective counter moves making him a threat to rush the passer in passing situations. In the run game he reads plays well and is explosive getting to the ball giving him a lot of range. He moves decently well in space and will be a solid zone defender. He struggles more in man where he doesn’t have elite quickness to stay with faster players. He also struggles disengaging in the run game, and finishing tackles because of his small tackling radius.

Pros

  • Reads plays quickly and explosively shoots through gaps to beat blockers and get to the ball
  • Has the range to work sideline to sideline as a run defender
  • Fluid mover out in space allowing him to be a solid defender in zone coverage
  • Has good speed to power and developed moves allowing him to be a legitimate pass rusher on passing downs

Cons

  • Does not have the strength to disengage once blockers latch on
  • Somewhat small tackling radius making it tough for him to finish plays
  • Might not have the quickness to stay in man coverage against faster players

Grade: Drew Sanders gets a mid 2nd round grade. He does a lot of things pretty well and teams can minimize his weaknesses.