Denver Broncos third-round draft pick Drew Sanders is undoubtedly in line to get more playing time following Jonas Griffith’s season-ending ACL injury.
Sanders, who spent time playing both inside linebacker and outside linebacker, could prove to be a versatile playmaker in Vance Joseph’s defense this fall.
“I think he’s picked it up,” head coach Sean Payton said of Sanders adjusting to an NFL defense on Aug. 3. “He’s smart. There are some nuances because he is playing a little more off the ball. He played both in college, but he is a quick study.
“I think he’s doing well. I think he’s handled the install pretty well. Now, there are plays in practice where there will be an alignment error or maybe a leverage error, but he will get it cleaned up. Overall, we have been pleased with him.”
Two days after those initial remarks, Payton was asked about the rookie linebacker again and the coach reiterated that the mental aspect is still a work in progress, but Sanders clearly has all the physical traits required for success as a pro.
“There’s a learning curve,” Payton said. “Yet, you see physicality, you see speed. His stature, his length, all of those things. He’s going to be someone that does a lot of things for us. We see him certainly getting reps in the kicking game. I’ve been encouraged.”
Sanders is expected to make his (preseason) NFL debut when the Broncos go on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals on Friday.
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