Drew Sanders Complete NFL Draft Profile (Dynamic Linebacker's 2022 Production Jumps Off the Page)

Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders is eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft following his standout season in 2022. An All-American and first-team All-SEC talent, Sanders showcased his potential with numerous highlight plays for the Razorbacks and could hear his name called as early as the first round in April.

Here's everything you need to know about Drew Sanders heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Drew Sanders Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/18: Walter Football, Sporting News, Draft Tek, Pro Football Network, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, ESPN.

Projected Draft Round: Round 1 (2), Round 2 (5)
Projected Team: Bills (3), Panthers (2), Jets (1), Titans (1)

Drew Sanders Scouting Report

Sanders committed to Alabama as the top recruit from the state of Texas in 2020 and logged 9 total tackles in eight games played as a freshman. His sophomore season was hindered by a hand injury, yet he still tallied 24 total tackles and 1.0 sacks before transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season.

It was with the Razorbacks that Sanders stepped up as a defensive beast. He finished the year with 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups and 3 forced fumbles in 12 games. It should come as no surprise that Sanders was named a first-team All-American for his performance.

It's worth pointing out that Sanders converted from EDGE rusher to off-ball linebacker in his final college season, making his rapid improvement even more impressive. A highlighted strength of Sanders' game is the ability to meet ball carriers with power in his tackling form in order to cause turnovers.

Sanders is far from a perfect prospect, though, as his lack of experience leaves him underdeveloped when it comes to diagnosing plays. He could benefit from building out his frame in the weight room as well. Nevertheless, Sanders is a dynamic athlete with the skill set needed to be a difference-maker.

Drew Sanders NFL Draft Prediction

Sanders is a tantalizing linebacker prospect considering his background along the edge should make him a nightmare to cover in blitz packages. He knows how to get to the quarterback (9.5 sacks in 2022), but also knows how to follow running backs coming out of the backfield until they are down.

One team sticks out when it comes to needing linebacker help and that is the Buffalo. The Bills lost Tremaine Edmunds in free agency, which is notable given that he logged over 100 total tackles in each of his first five seasons. Replacing that production won't be easy, but adding Sanders is a good start.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane has also been adamant that Matt Milano will remain a weakside linebacker, meaning there is a clear spot for Sanders to fall into. The Bills could make sure they get their guy by taking Sanders in the first round or take a risk by waiting until the second (No. 59 overall).

Prediction: Buffalo Bills (Round 1, 27th overall)

Check out more NFL Draft content from The Duel:

Drew Sanders NFL Combine Results

Drew Sanders College Stats

Drew Sanders College Highlights

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.