Just when it seemed like Drew Sanders might finally settle into a defined role, he will be playing for a new position again. As the Denver Broncos try to find the proper blend within their defense, Sanders finds himself being shuffled back and forth. This time, it's the outside linebacker position for the third-year player.

Ever since Sanders landed with the Broncos as the third-round pick in the 2023 draft, he has bounced between inside and outside roles.

"Per sources, Drew Sanders is changing positions and going back to OLB this year," reported DNVR reporter Zac Stevens

Starting off in an off-ball role, he later saw snaps on the edge before shifting back inside. Given his 6-foot-5, 233-pound frame, his athleticism, and coverage skills suit edge duties in specific situations.

For Sanders, the transition comes at a crucial moment. He has missed the 2025 season due to a torn ligament. Before that, the 2024 season was plagued with injuries as a torn Achilles limited him to just four games.

Unfortunately, expectations were high for Sanders before the 2025 season.

“Drew Sanders is one of Denver’s more intriguing figures this offseason,” The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider wrote in May 2025. 

Two months later, in July, he was carted off the practice field with a lower leg injury. It came off as a blow to both Sanders and the Broncos since he made it through the offseason without any setbacks. He was also a standout player during these first few training camp practices.

Denver went for a positional exchange. Sanders becomes the second Broncos linebacker to change positions this offseason, after Jonah Elliss, who is expected to switch from outside linebacker to inside linebacker.

What Comes Next for Drew Sanders?

The edge room for the Broncos is crowded. They are led by starters Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. Behind them, the depth includes Jonah Elliss and Que Robinson, who impressed as a rookie. Dondrea Tillman also comes off as an interception machine.

With so much proven talent, Sanders will have to fight hard to crack the rotation. As things stand, he is likely the No. 4 OLB on the depth chart.

But the NFL team has already made its plans clear for Sanders

“We think Sanders can be a starter in this league at linebacker. Now let’s see how it goes," Broncos general manager George Paton said in 2025. "We’re going to keep adding good players. Competition—we just want competition at all of the positions. We’re not anointing anyone starters, but we just want to keep bringing in competition and we’ll get good results.”

Mile High Huddle’s mock draft predicts the Denver Broncos will pick an inside linebacker on Day 2. It will possibly be Jacob Rodriguez from the Texas Tech Red Raiders, further raising the competition for Sanders.

Share your thoughts on Denver's move with Sanders.

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar