NFL Draft prospect profile: Drew Sanders

College Career

Junior linebacker Drew Sanders played his college football at Arkansas for the Razorbacks. Sanders played 12 games as a junior and racked up 40 solo tackles, 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 1 interception. He stands at 6’ 5” and weighs 232 lbs.

Sanders played his first two college seasons at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas prior to last year where he saw an increase in production. He showed great production in his three college seasons, finishing with 136 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. 

At the Combine, Sanders displayed his speed by running a 4.59 40-yard dash.

Bills Situation & What Drew Sanders Could Bring 

The Buffalo Bills have just recently lost starting middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to free agency and are now searching for a new linebacker to start alongside Matt Milano. The Bills haven’t made any moves to get a linebacker in free agency, only re-signing a couple depth linebackers in Tyrel Dodson and AJ Klein.

Sanders could bring versatility to Buffalo, being able to line up inside as a linebacker or on the line as an edge rusher. Sanders covers a lot of ground which will help close off passes over the middle and ultimately limit an offense. Sanders has been compared to Tremaine Edmunds by some draft analysts and could fit in his spot right next to Matt Milano. Sanders is the same height as Edmunds, but is about 15 pounds lighter.

Most importantly, it is still up in the air of what head coach Sean McDermott’s defensive identity will be going forward. He has hinted at being more versatile given the way the league is going. If that is the case, Sanders’ skill set definitely fits that mold.

Strengths

Sanders is versatile, being able to play linebacker or rush the passer off the edge. He has great instincts paired with a quick first step. Sanders has good closing speed and has good tackling ability. He isn’t afraid to put his shoulder down and lay a hit.  

Weaknesses 

Drew Sanders tends to be a bit impatient and reads the wrong play on misdirection or play fakes. Sanders needs to wrap up his tackles better. Sanders isn’t the best in man to man coverage.

Draft Projection

Drew Sanders is projected to be drafted in the second round, but with the Bills desperately needing a linebacker, he could be in play at the end of round one.