Sean Payton Rates Broncos Rookie LB Drew Sanders' Preseason Progress

Rookie linebacker Drew Sanders was easily one of the biggest offseason storylines surrounding the Denver Broncos. The former Alabama/Arkansas standout was drafted with pick 67 in the third round, tying him with Nate Irving (2011) as the highest-drafted Broncos inside linebacker since D.J. Williams in 2004. 

Thus, Broncos Country was widely curious about Sanders as the team marched through the offseason. Fast forward through training camp and to today, and the rookie is coming off two preseason performances, the last of which earned him some praise from head coach Sean Payton. 

“Week 1 of the preseason to Week 2 was significant," Payton said of Sanders' performances. "I would say it was that way on defense for him, and it was that way in the kicking game. When I heard the coaches talk yesterday about snaps, how guys played, the grades and the film I watched, there was a significant difference in how he played. It’s [about] getting a feel and understanding of where we are at in the down and what we are doing in the kicking game. I thought he had a good night on Saturday night.”

Indeed, Sanders led the Broncos with six tackles (three solo) on Saturday night vs. the San Francisco 49ers. He made a dent with his 25 defensive snaps and nine on special teams. 

In comparison to fourth-year veteran linebacker Justin Strnad, who received 35 snaps on defense and 11 on special teams, Sanders definitely made more hay with the opportunities he was given. Strnad finished with just one tackle on the night. 

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Sanders is what he brings as a pass rusher. Alabama recruited him to rush the passer, and when he transferred to Arkansas, he posted 9.5 sacks in his final season, despite playing the inside linebacker position. 

The Broncos have opted not to reveal much when it comes to the blitz packages defensive coordinator Vance Joseph plans to use in 2023. It's the preseason, after all, so why give opponents any meaningful preview that could offer a competitive advantage? 

But when Joseph begins to deploy his blitz packages, expect to see Sanders utilized often. Currently, he's the No. 3 inside linebacker on the depth chart, behind starting tandem Josey Jewell and Alex Singleton. 

If Sanders keeps up this momentum, the Broncos will have no choice but to find ways to use him in the regular season.