The Denver Broncos selected Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft on Friday evening (67th overall).
Sanders (6-5, 232 pounds) originally signed with Alabama in 2020 before transferring to Arkansas in 2021. In two years at Arkansas, he finished with 103 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 13.5 tackles for loss.
Sanders finished his career by being voted a first-team All-American and earning first-team All-SEC honors last fall. Sanders was also a 2022 finalist for the Dick Butkus Award, given annually to the best linebacker in college football.
At the 2023 NFL combine, Sanders was unable to participate in field drills due to injury. However, during the Razorbacks’ Pro Day, Sanders flashed with a 4.59 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical jump.
ESPN’s Matt Miller compares Sanders with the Chicago Bears’ Tremaine Edmunds, who finished with 102 tackles and one sack in 2022 as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
In Denver, Sanders will help bolster the middle of the defense, alongside Alex Singleton, Josey Jewell and Justin Strnad. The Broncos have a crowded room at linebacker, but Sanders could fit in the rotation and contribute on special teams.
