DS #41

Drew Sanders

Linebacker · Arkansas

A unanimous All-American and Alabama national champion whose promising Broncos career has been repeatedly interrupted by injury.

Drew Sanders arrived in Denver with elite physical tools after a dominant, injury-shortened final college season at Arkansas. His NFL career has shown flashes of that talent, but it has been defined so far by a string of significant injuries that have limited his availability.

★ 2021 College Football Playoff national champion with Alabama

★ Unanimous All-American at Arkansas (2022)

★ Butkus Award finalist (2022)

★ Led Arkansas in tackles (103) and sacks (9.5) in 2022

Path to the league

Sanders began his college career at Alabama, winning the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship as an edge rusher, before transferring to Arkansas for the 2022 season and moving to inside linebacker. He led the Razorbacks with 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks, earned unanimous All-American honors and was a Butkus Award finalist. Denver drafted him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, No. 67 overall.

Career highlights

Sanders has shown the athletic upside that made him a top prospect, with the Broncos moving him around between off-ball linebacker and the edge to maximize his size and length. His early NFL production has been limited by the injuries that have repeatedly interrupted his seasons.

2025 season recap

Sanders missed the entire 2025 season after tearing a foot ligament, following a 2024 season in which a torn Achilles limited him to just four games. He has yet to play a full, healthy NFL season.