Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 85.00 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Yannick Ngakoue

Strengths:

Lanky, speed-to-power rusher who routinely stuns offensive tackles with his pop on contact. Plays from the ground up. Despite being taller, Sanders is a great knee bender who generates tons of power from the ground. Has a vast array of pass-rushing moves, and he typically leads with an emphatic swipe. Counter moves are a plus too, which is pretty rare for a collegiate edge. Really battles to defeat blocks, even if it takes him an extra second to do so. with good burst and speed to the quarterback.

Weaknesses:

Can get overpowered at times because he's skinny for an edge rusher. More of a snap-jumper than someone who plays with incredible burst off the ball -- got called for offsides relatively often. Despite his frame suggesting it, he's doesn't play with ridiculous bend around the corner. Needs to add a lot more more weight on his frame.

Accolades:

  • Back-to-back first-team All-AAC (2020, 2021)
  • 2021: Cincinnati led FBS in opponent pass efficiency (103.4)