So the team, come pick No. 26, could scream out the name of Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders.
He fits as a “chess piece” for coordinator Dan Quinn in some ways that mirror what the Cowboys do with Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch just in terms of overall versatility,
And as maybe the best pure linebacker prospects in the 2023 draft class, he may share their pedigrees as well.
Despite beginning his collegiate career as an EDGE defender at Alabama, the 6-5, 232 pounder converted to an off-ball linebacker. Sanders finished the 2022 season at Arkansas having compiled 37 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception.
A three-down role? That would be the ultimate plan. At his best when rushing the passer on third down? That should translate as well.
His hallmark physical traits include a notable physicality, a good initial burst, and top-grade tackling skills.
A new draftee from the Razorbacks, who the Arkansas-based Jones family surely knows very well? Sure. But more than that, he’s a Dallas native who grew up here and played high school ball as a 5-star recruit.
Sanders may be a hand-in-glove for for the Cowboys, as teaming him with Parsons and his hometown team might give Dallas one of the NFL’s top defensive tandems for many years to come.
