The Denver Broncos did not have many draft choices this year, but they will have all their picks under contract before OTAs begin. Third-round linebacker Drew Sanders agreed to terms on his rookie deal Wednesday, Mike Klis of 9News tweets.
After Denver traded into the back of the second round for Oklahoma wideout Marvin Mims, the team stuck with its No. 67 draft slot — obtained in a 2022 deal with the Indianapolis Colts, who traded up for safety Nick Cross — to select Sanders. The Arkansas prospect will begin his professional career on a four-year deal worth approximately $5.7M.
Sanders transferred from Alabama to Arkansas in 2022 and came through with strong sack production during the fall — especially for an off-ball linebacker. The 6-foot-4 defender totaled 9.5 sacks as a junior last year, pairing that eye-catching takedown number with 103 tackles. Sanders skipped the Razorbacks’ Liberty Bowl game to prepare for the draft and will be expected to carve out a key role on head coach Sean Payton‘s first Broncos team.
After cutting ties with Super Bowl 50 ILB starter Brandon Marshall in 2019, the Broncos have not devoted much in the way of resources to the off-ball linebacker spots. They do have both their starters from last season — Josey Jewell, Alex Singleton — attached to similar contracts. Tied to a two-year, $11M pact, Jewell — a former fourth-round pick — is going into a walk year. While the Broncos re-signed Singleton (three years, $18M), the former UDFA is heading into his age-30 season.
Denver has not made a notable edge defender investment this offseason. The team released 2022 trade acquisition Jacob Martin earlier in May, but Randy Gregory, Baron Browning and 2022 second-rounder Nik Bonitto remain in place as Denver’s top OLBs. With Gregory missing much of last season, the Broncos may be in the market for one of the many veteran edge defenders still available. The team’s situation also opens up a potential hybrid role for Sanders, who forced three fumbles last year.
Here is how the Broncos’ draft class turned out:
- Round 2, No. 63 (from Chiefs through Lions): Marvin Mims, WR (Oklahoma) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 67 (from Colts): Drew Sanders, LB (Arkansas) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 83 (from Seahawks): Riley Moss, CB (Iowa) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 183 (from Lions): JL Skinner, S (Boise State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 257 (from Saints): Alex Forsyth, C (Oregon) (signed)
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