2023 BCS LB Scouting Report
Player: Drew Sanders
School: Arkansas
Year: Junior
Games Watched: Cincinatti 2022, Ole Miss 2022, Mississippi State 2022, Alabama 2022
====================================================================
Range: Listed at 6’5 230 with long stride length. Has side line to sideline range when defending wide zone runs and sweeps. Good in space as an overhang defender. Isn’t at a physical disadvantage if he has to carry the #3 receiver in trips.
Processing Speed: Triggers downhill quickly. Type of player that will make his mistakes at 100 mph. Shows ability to sift through the window dressing post snap. Shows eye discipline with reading his keys.
Coverage Ability: Spot drops in zone coverage. Shows good instincts and awareness relating to crossers in and out of his zone. Has quick twitch reactions when keying the QB. Able click and close quickly to limit any run after catch.
Motor/Effort: Plays with good effort. Plays through the whistle. Runs down plays backside. Does his best not to stay blocked.
Tackling: Needs development wrapping up and securing the tackle. Left a lot of production and big plays on the field because of an inability to finish. Added play strength and stopping power will cause a big improvement to his game.
Block Shedding: Will get caught up in blocks from offensive lineman. Would be better served with more hand usage to keep players from getting into his chest. Has a much easier time shedding TEs and WR.
Blitzing/Pass Rush: Will mug up the A gap and bring pressure up the middle or blitz from depth. In odd fronts he is the rush LB. Explosive get off. Has a quick swim and inside counter to go along with a speed rush around the arc. Can add more speed to power and rip moves with more development.
Run Defense: Shows excellent speed and closing ability when kept clean. Will need development in block shedding and hand usage. Shows quickness to slip blocks but at times will create additional holes while trying to avoid a blocker. Has the explosiveness to beat the blocker to a spot and blow up a play.
Toughness/Power @ POA: Will need development with overall play strength. Will get moved and washed down by offensive lineman and will struggle to disengage at times.
Versatility: Has the ability to play as a stacked MIKE/WILL as well as a 5 or 7 technique from a 2 point stance. Offers 3 down ability with coverage upside. Has a pass rush background going back to high school.
====================================================================
Range (15) – 15
Block Shedding (10) – 6
Processing Speed (10) – 7
Blitzing/ Pass Rush (10) – 7
Coverage Ability (10) – 7
Run Defense (10) – 7
Motor/ Effort (5) – 5
Toughness/ Power @ POA (10) – 6
Tackling (10) – 6
Versatility (10) – 8
Grade: 74/100 – Day 2
Summary: Drew Sanders has high upside as a multi-purpose defender with the ability as a pass rusher and a stacked LB. Sanders also shows good instincts in pass coverage, dropping into a zone and reading the QB. Relatively new to being a stacked LB, development time will be needed. Drew Sanders would function best in a multiple front where he can play as a stacked MIKE/WILL on run downs and be unleashed off the edge in obvious passing situations.
Report Author: EJ Holt
Twitter: @EJHolt_NFLDraft
