First-round draft prospect raves about Lions coaching staff
The Detroit Lions have emphasized defensive talent in its 2023 offseason. Having already made numerous splashes in the free agency pool, the Lions could be gearing up to further improve the defensive side of the ball through the 2023 NFL Draft. Detroit’s most impressive free agent additions have primarily featured defensive backs. With the backend […]
The Detroit Lions have emphasized defensive talent in its 2023 offseason. Having already made numerous splashes in the free agency pool, the Lions could be gearing up to further improve the defensive side of the ball through the 2023 NFL Draft.
Detroit’s most impressive free agent additions have primarily featured defensive backs. With the backend of the defense gaining much-needed talent, the middle of the Lions’ defense could still use some work.
One draft prospect with plenty of big game experience against premier talent has caught the team’s eye.
Meet Arkansas LB Drew Sanders.
Sanders has first-round potential after a 2022 season in which he finished second in the SEC in tackles, earning him first-team All-American honors.
He has experience playing outside linebacker, but seemed to thrive when he was moved inside. Even on the inside Sanders still had a major impact in the pass rush.
Sanders tallied 9.5 sacks, 13.5 TFLs, three forced fumbles and one interception in 2022. He’s a linebacker that can do it all.
There are plenty of reasons for the Lions to be attracted to a player like Sanders, but the feeling is mutual in this particular case. Sanders, who has a top 30 visit with Detroit scheduled for next Thursday, has an affinity for the Lions coaching staff.
“I’ve met with them at the combine and I have my 30 visit with them coming up, so I’m pretty excited for that," Sanders told the Detroit Free Press. "But love the coaches there so far and I’m excited to get to know them a little bit more."
In a meeting with head coach Dan Campbell at the combine, Sanders described him as "a coach that you’d be able to run through a wall for.”
The Lions recently re-signed Alex Anzalone, but depth at the linebacker position is pretty thin at the moment. Young linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes have shown flashes, but Sanders would figure to slot in as the starter if the Lions are to use a first-round pick on the Arkansas product.
