Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Giants named best fit for blitzing Arkansas LB

By Anthony Rivardo | Last updated 4/25/23

The New York Giants upgraded their linebacker corps this offseason, signing free agent LB Bobby Okereke to a four-year deal. But behind Okereke, the Giants are still thin at the position. Pro Football Focus recently identified Arkansas LB Drew Sanders as a top fit for New York on day two of the upcoming draft to fill that need.

Sanders is a dynamic LB prospect with prototypical size at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. Originally recruited by Alabama as an edge rusher, Sanders moved to inside linebacker after transferring to Arkansas for his final season. He went on to total 103 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks at LB for Arkansas in 2022.

Sanders' background as an EDGE gives him rare pass-rushing capabilities for an inside LB. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com describes Sanders as a "unique linebacker prospect with the physical traits, athleticism and skill set to be deployed as an inside linebacker or a stand-up edge rusher."

LB Drew Sanders defeated two blocks to sack Cincy's QB on third and seven pic.twitter.com/caaGtYoCKB
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) March 28, 2023

PFF awarded Sanders the "Best Blitzer" superlative in this draft's LB class. He posted an impressive 39 pressures for Arkansas as an inside LB this season. When describing the Giants as a perfect fit for Sanders, PFF's Michael Renner pointed out that New York blitzed more than any team in the NFL last season.

Sanders' pass-rushing skills make him a perfect fit for Giants DC Wink Martindale's scheme. Martindale is known for deploying an aggressive, blitz-heavy scheme that relies on its LBs to contribute as pass-rushers. Sanders could make that contribution early and often alongside Okereke in the middle of the Giants' defense.

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