Pro Hawgs: Drew Sanders already turning heads in Denver

When Drew Sanders was selected in the third round, it was heralded as one of the best steals of the NFL draft. On Saturday, the Broncos held their rookie minicamp, in part to teach Denver’s system but also to look for standouts. By all accounts, the biggest standout was Sanders.

In a press conference on Sunday, Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton expressed just how hard it is for rookies to make a good impression. “It’s hard to make a good impression if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Yet, Sanders somehow found a way to do it.

During seven-on-seven drills, Drew Sanders picked off a veteran, try-out Ben DiNucci and brought it back for a touchdown. The play happened right in front of the owner, Greg Penner. “There was more to that interception if you looked at it,” said Payton of the play, “it was a good play by Drew, a good break [on the ball].” Even better for the third-round pick, Payton had just finished telling Penner how great DiNucci was doing before that practice.

When asked about the play in the locker room, Sanders gave a humble answer, “I just did my job and it ended up working out in my favor.” In the same interview, the media asked Sanders about his time at rookie minicamp, “it’s all kind of going by pretty fast. A lot of stuff happening, a lot of adjusting going on but like I said, I’m having a great time.”

Sanders brings a variety of skills to Denver. With Alabama, he played outside linebacker, specializing in rushing the QB. With the Hogs, however, he played inside in a more traditional role.

“I’m gonna do whatever they tell me to do,” said Sanders when asked what he offers the LB corp. “I can get after the quarterback, drop back in coverage, and play the run, so I kind of feel like I bring the versatility to the position and can really get the job done.”

However, his love for rushing the QB shined through in his one season at Arkansas regardless of position. “I’ve always enjoyed getting after the quarterback. I made a big emphasis on that this past year,” said Sanders. His 13.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks show just big a menace Sanders could be to any backfield.

Sanders joins nine-year veteran out of Montana State, Alex Singleton and former Iowa Hawkeye, Josey Jewell at LB. No other LB logged more than 50 tackles last season. With the lack of depth, Sanders could see plenty of playing time, especially if he continues to turn heads.