​The Denver Broncos’ roster overall enters the new season with a sense of stability, featuring solid starters across both lines and a dependable core on both offense and defense. Yet even with a strong foundation, there are several players who face an uphill climb to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster. Among them is fourth-year linebacker Drew Sanders, a former third-round pick from the 2023 draft who has battled health issues since arriving in Denver.
Sanders arrived as a dynamic, versatile defender with the potential to contribute as both an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. In his rookie year, he appeared in all 17 games and started four, accumulating 23 tackles and showing flashes of the playmaking ability that made him a promising prospect out of Arkansas, after transferring from Alabama. However, his professional path has been hampered by injuries. A torn Achilles limited him to just four games in 2024, and a foot injury sidelined him for the entirety of the following season. Those setbacks have kept him off the field and reduced the window for him to prove himself in a crowded edge and inside linebacker group.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Sanders remains an unknown variable within the Broncos’ defensive plans. The team is hoping he can regain the trajectory that once suggested a bright future, but the depth at his position creates a tough environment for a late-season breakthrough. The Broncos face considerable competition at edge, and there is also significant depth inside linebacker, meaning Sanders must overcome a difficult odds view to lock in a roster spot in 2026. The question remains: can he translate his college upside into NFL production after a series of injuries?
Head Coach Sean Payton last month offered a candid update on Sanders, noting that the team’s vision for the defender has evolved. This season, Sanders is expected to take the bulk of his reps at the edge, a shift that could help him showcase his instincts and versatility. Payton praised his overall athletic profile and intelligence, calling him a young, talented player, while acknowledging the evaluation process remains complex given the Broncos’ current defensive schematic and responsibilities at the edge position.
Talent has never been Sanders’ issue; the barrier has been health. His athletic traits—length, explosiveness, and the ability to rush the passer or drop into coverage—are undeniable assets that keep him on the radar for coaches and front-office staff. The real challenge is staying available and proving he can contribute over a full season. Even with a healthy slate of action, Sanders faces an uphill climb to secure a meaningful role on defense, and it’s plausible his best path to impact would come in a specialized capacity rather than as a consistent starter.
The Broncos’ edge-rushing room includes several established names who are likely to be roster locks. Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondre Tillman, and Que Robinson are positioned as four definite contributors. Veteran Jonathon Cooper’s status adds another layer of uncertainty, especially considering off-field issues reported recently that could lead to a suspension of substantial length. If Cooper is sidelined for a portion of the season, it could briefly open an opportunity for Sanders to move into the edge rotation as the fifth man.
Even in that scenario, Sanders would need to maximize every opportunity in training camp and the preseason to prove he can contribute beyond special teams. His best chance to earn a seat on the 53-man roster may hinge on delivering versatility, consistency, and dependable special-teams value while proving he can stay healthy and handle the demands of a larger defensive role if called upon.
In summary, Sanders’ future with the Broncos hinges on health, continued development, and how well he can translate his college-based playmaking instincts into NFL production. The depth at edge rusher and the potential for a suspension to affect the rotation create both a challenge and a narrow path for him to earn a place on the 2026 squad. If the injury bug finally releases its grip, Sanders could still present a valuable developmental option for Denver; otherwise, his best-case scenario may center on carving out a role as a situational rusher and a key contributor on special teams, where he can maximize his athletic gifts while the defense weighs more experienced options.