Drew Sanders said he had a feeling he would end up with the Broncos. In reality, the former Arkansas linebacker thought he would be picked sooner in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Many mock drafts had Sanders as a potential first- or second-round pick. On Friday, Sanders had to wait until the third round to get a call from Denver, which drafted him with the No. 67 overall pick — a move that could be considered a steal down the road.
“(There was) a lot of talk going a little bit earlier in the draft, but I’m glad it worked out this way,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful to be a part of the Broncos and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Sanders was picked up by the Broncos after they traded up selected Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. at No. 63 to close out the second round. He said his only interaction with the organization was a couple of Zoom meetings with linebacker coaches Michael Wilhoite and Greg Manusky.
Sanders, a former five-star recruit in high school, played in 24 games (three starts), totaling 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks in two seasons at Alabama. He transferred to Arkansas, hoping to showcase his ability as a pass rusher while improving his draft.
Sanders only needed one season at Arkansas to make his mark.
He set the tone early, recording 11 tackles, two sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in the Razorbacks’ victory over South Carolina in Week 2 of the regular season. Sanders’ performance was a precursor to a strong junior year, where he recorded a team-best 103 tackles (13.5 for loss) and 9.5 sacks.
“I wanted to prove a point that I can get after the quarterback,” said Sanders, who was a unanimous first team All-American selection by the Associated Press. “Those 9 ½ sacks were a big deal for me.”
Sanders’ arrival comes at a perfect time. Denver needed to add depth at inside linebacker, with veteran Josey Jewell entering the final year of his deal. At the same time, the Broncos could use another player who can be aggressive in the pass rush. Sanders is confident that his versatility can address both needs.
“I can play anywhere the coach needs me,” he said. “Whether itap getting after the quarterback or dropping back in coverage, I’m pretty confident that I will translate well (in the league).”
Coach Sean Payton expects Sanders to be an inside linebacker in Denver’s 3-4 scheme. He said Sanders can also play on the outside while providing value on special teams. “We saw really good traits with him,” said Payton.
Payton spoke highly about Sanders’ ability to attack the quarterback, calling him a “pressure player.”
“In New Orleans, we felt ( outside linebacker) Demario Davis was a pressure player because when we blitzed him, he could affect the quarterback,” Payton. “I think (Sanders) fits into that position. His production on the quarterback suggests that.”
LB Drew Sanders
Round/pick: Third Round, No. 67
Age: 22
Height/Weight: 6-foot-4, 235 pounds
College: Arkansas
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Notable: Sanders was named first team All-SEC after totaling 103 tackles (13.5 for loss) and 9.5 sacks in 2022. He was considered one of the nation’s top all-around athletes coming out of high school in 2020. Sanders, a former five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in Texas by 247Sports, played linebacker and quarterback when he was in high school.
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
