Steelers prospect profile: LB Drew Sanders was bred for black and gold
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for their next franchise linebacker since the end of Ryan Shazier's tenure. The Pittsburgh legend was a dynamic player on the second level and was the glue that held the defense together. And while last year's defense rebounded down the stretch, resembling Steelers defenses of old, the need to […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for their next franchise linebacker since the end of Ryan Shazier's tenure. The Pittsburgh legend was a dynamic player on the second level and was the glue that held the defense together.
And while last year's defense rebounded down the stretch, resembling Steelers defenses of old, the need to find the next big thing at linebacker still exists. And while I appreciate the signings of players like Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts, they aren't nearly the athlete that Shazier was.
To be fair to them though, few players are or were, but this year's draft class has one prospect who in my opinion, could fill the void that the Steelers have desperately tried to mend with names like Devin Bush or Myles Jack. That player is Drew Sanders from Arkansas.
Sanders is the best off-ball linebacker in the class in my opinion with a modern-day frame that includes length and subtle mass at 6'4'' and over 230 pounds. Here is my full evaluation of Sanders:
One liner:
An extended linebacker with exceptional block shedding and modern measurables for length and athleticism.
Evaluation:
Former edge player that now plays off ball with versatility to swing out to overhang as the will.
Lengthy athlete with extended limbs. Excellent short-area agility to scrape and jump into gaps. Perfect tempo when shuffling Vs outside zone, and knows when to step on the gas and hit the ball carrier.
Impressive block shed vs much bigger guards. Pass rush background shows up in his flexibility, can bend and dip to avoid linemen. Plays with leverage and hand usage to disengage and time up the tackle.
Change of direction and range to cover between the hashes and chase down ball carriers in the open field. Knows his pursuit angles, can and will finish. Mirrors the back's path, breaking on the football in coverage.
Long, but linear profile for a traditional stacked backer. Eyes are still green as an off-ball linebacker. See why he transitioned from the edge and lacks the power to beat anchors.
If he doesn’t dip and dive, once linemen get to his chest, it’s a problem. Uses proper technique but can miss tackles going low. Want more decisiveness in his run-pass reads.
Occasionally guesses wrong on run direction, losing gap integrity and allowing big gains. Can be eluded by quarterbacks as a pass rusher. Tunnel vision when he has a free gap. Makes up for poor shin angles with his lateral quicks, but can false step at times.
Summary:
Sanders is the perfect prototype for modern backers. His movement from edge to an off-ball position has allowed him to better utilize his length and athleticism while maintaining his excellent block shedding.
Few players will ever have the explosion and tenacity that Shazier had. It was the primary reason behind his success dating back to Ohio State. But Sanders is the next closest thing in my opinion, making him a viable candidate at 32nd overall for Pittsburgh.
