Change is inevitable, and the NFL is no exception, as the Denver Broncos continue to show when it comes to Drew Sanders.
Sanders is a polarizing player. He possesses a ton of talent, but has not been able to stay available and on the football field long enough to put it to good use during his three-plus-year career, all of which has been spent with the Broncos so far.
Sanders could ultimately pay off on the Broncos’ patience if (and when) he finally stays healthy.
Broncos Still Figuring Out What to Do With Drew Sanders
GettyDrew Sanders is undergoing yet another position change with the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos selected Sanders 67th overall in the 2023 draft. He has played in 21 games for the organization, including four starts. Injuries have been a consistent hindrance.
Sanders’ last regular-season appearance came in the regular-season finale during the 2024 campaign. His last start was Week 8 of his rookie season. The Broncos have switched Sanders between inside linebacker and outside edge defender during his tenure.
The intriguing fourth-year prospect is heading back to being a pass rusher in 2026.
“To his credit, he’s in great shape. He’s someone that has that versatility. The one thing when you watch him play, when it’s decisive, it’s really good. And I think that he’s moving around. He’s at a good weight. You’ll probably see him more at the edge,” Payton told reporters on May 9.
“It can be frustrating when you have an injury, and it sets you back just as you’re turning the corner. So, I know he’s looking forward to this season.”
Sanders was LB1 for The Athletic’s Dane Brugler in 2023. He has played LB and EDGE in Denver.
Sanders played multiple positions even in college. However, he also endured multiple injuries that cost him playing time and his spot on the depth chart during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide before he transferred to Arkansas and moved to MIKE LB.
Payton’s remarks confirm a report from DNVR’s Zac Stevens in April about the Broncos’ plans for Sanders. This is notably the final season of Sanders’ rookie contract.
Drew Sanders has ‘Pro Bowl Upside’
GettyDrew Sanders has played several different positions during his football career.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected Sanders as a first or second-round pick during his pre-draft evaluation.
He compared Sanders to two-time Pro Bowler Tremaine Edmunds, now of the New York Giants.
“Unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher. 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,” Zierlein wrote in 2023.
“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.”
The Broncos need depth at EDGE. Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto star there, with Dondrea Tillman and Que Robinson backing them up.
Jonah Elliss, a 2024 third-round pick and second-generation Bronco, is moving to off-ball LB.
Drew Sanders’ Previous Remarks Get New Attention
GettyDrew Sanders is a past winner of the Denver Broncos’ “Most Boring Interview” contest.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton acknowledged their unconventional ways for players to stand out off the field, citing their “Most Boring Interview” contest. Sanders was the winner in 2024.
The linebacker delivered a session that the team shared as a two-minute, 15-second video.
“The problem with Drew’s was he was already nervous about just talking. And then, when I tried to guide him with parameters, it really messed with him a little bit,” Payton said, adding that the Broncos “knew Drew would be a strong candidate.”
Sanders can be seen smirking during the early portion of that interview, giving complete responses to questions, but also using little vocal inflection.
Even then, he touted his versatility, though, so this change is par for him and the Broncos.
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