Denver Broncos select Drew Sanders with No. 67 overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos selected Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders with the No. 67 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night.
Sanders spent two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide, racking up 35 tackles and working his way into the rotation. He opted to transfer to Arkansas, where he had one breakout season. He played his way to the top of 2023 draft boards after starting for the Hogs.
After leaving Alabama for Arkansas, Sanders racked up a career-high 103 tackles with 9.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and an interception for the Razorbacks.
On ESPN’s best-available board heading into the draft, he was the No. 2 inside linebacker in the 2023 class.
Coming out of Denton Ryan (Texas) High School, Sanders was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 27 recruit in the nation and the No. 6 linebacker in the 2020 signing class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
What the NFL draft analysts are saying about Drew Sanders
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided some analysis on Sanders’ game in his recent scout of the linebacker’s draft profile. His player comparison for the Arkansas star is Tremaine Edmunds.
“Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher,” Zeirlein wrote. “The former five-star Alabama signee transferred to Arkansas for the 2022 season and posted eye-catching production with the Razorbacks.
“He plays with good technique in take-ons and has plenty of pursuit range, but he’s still finding his footing with his run fits and tackle consistency. He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside.”
More on the 2023 NFL Draft
The 2023 NFL Draft, which began Thursday, April 27, continues through Saturday, April 29 in Kansas City, Missouri. The event location this year is the plaza just outside of Union Station.
Round 1 of the NFL Draft began at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 27. Rounds 2-3 will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Apr. 28, and Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 29. The draft broadcast runs throughout the weekend on both ESPN and NFL Network.