The Denver Broncos make another splash with their second pick in the 2023 NFL draft with the selection of a Swiss army knife of a linebacker in Arkanasas’ Drew Sanders.
A two-year player for Alabama before transferring to Arkansas in his final season, Drew Sanders put on a show with the Razorbacks. While he was perhaps underutilized with the Crimson Tide, Sanders became an immediate impact player and leader in the Arkansas defense, showing off a unique skillset as both a stand-up linebacker and top-end edge rusher. He was able to wrack up an incredible 39 quarterback pressures, 25 hurries, and eleven sacks, on top of an impressive 63 tackles in his last college season.
It will be interesting to see just how Vance Joseph uses Sanders in his rookie season, as he best projects as a stand up edge rusher. He fits well within the defense and should see playing time right away, and could be left to go hunt the quarterback early in his career. Though he may also fit well in a more traditional linebacker role, either way he will be an impact defensive player with good value given where Sanders was selected.