Ourlads' Profile:
2023 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about DREW SANDERS:
Arkansas | H: 6050 W: 233 40: 4.65 A: 3218 H: 0934 W: 7658
Junior entry, one year starter, Denton, TX. Was a part of the Alabama edge defender rotation before transferring to Arkansas for his final season. First team All-SEC and consensus All-America in 2022. Made an incredibly successful transition to Mike linebacker in the Arkansas 3-4 defense. The versatile prospect also took successful reps on the edge. Was a work in progress inside but improved game by game. Developed solid inside run fits with downhill ability and a nose for the ball. Has excellent lateral movement and agility with the range to get to the perimeter. He’s consistent with pursuit angles. Shows good strength to take on bigger linemen and flashes stack and shed ability. Has tackling skill and can deliver big hits. Usually gathers well for a tall player and finishes with wrap and drive. Can make plays in space. Edge experience makes him an excellent blitzer. Shows a quick first step and can bend and squeeze around the corner. Has a counter move to oversetting tackles. As an inside blitzer anticipates the snap and is quick getting in the backfield. Was surprisingly good in coverage with route recognition and ability to quickly react on the throw. Made some punishing hits breaking on throws underneath. Has range in coverage with the ability to find the throwing lane. Shows some match ability but will occasionally grab on a route break. He is still learning the nuances of off the ball linebacker as he has some inconsistency with run fits. Occasionally overruns a gap and shows some hesitation reacting at times. Will also overrun tackles and miss as a result. He improved on this as the season progressed. While still developmental his progress has been remarkable. Upside is there of a versatile every down NFL linebacker.
2022 Stats: 103 T, 13.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 5 PBU, 6 QBH, 3 FF, 1 INT. Edge speed:left 2.08, right 2.22. 1st/2nd round.