Myjai Sanders NFL Draft Overview
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 228 pounds
School: Cincinnati
Myjai Sanders 2022 NFL Draft Profile
For the past three years, Myjai Sanders has been a leader on an elite Cincinnati defense. Across those three years, Sanders recorded 112 tackles, 24.5 for loss, and 13.5 sacks. After dominating for two years, offenses became wise to his play-wrecking abilities and he took a step back in 2021 in terms of productivity. Even then, Sanders was one of the few Bearcats who didn’t look completely out-sized and out-classed in the CFP Semi-Final against Alabama.
At the NFL Combine, there were concerns about Sanders’ weight, considering his playing weight was closer to 260 pounds. By the time the Combine rolled around, Sanders had been fighting an illness that resulted in his drastic weight loss and sub-par testing. Regardless, Sanders’ athleticism allowed him to make play after play and was a massive reason for the Bearcats’ elite play.
As a prospect, Sanders likely could have been a first-round talent following the 2020 season. Regardless, Sanders finished with First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors in each of his final two years.
Strengths
- Elite, quick first step
- Long frame that establishes control of Tackles
- Quick feet that force tackles to get into their pass set earlier
- Relentless motor
- Has a diverse repertoire of pass rush moves
- Can rush from a two or three-point stance
- High football IQ, knows and sticks to his assignments
Weaknesses
- Weight loss leading to the Combine
- Aggressive play turns into offsides penalties
- Narrow base gets overpowered in rush defense
- Not a lot of power on initial punches
- Can take himself out of plays with over-pursuit and aggression
NFL Comparison: Yannick Ngakoue
Teams With Need at Position: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets
Projection: 3rd Round
Bottom Line on Myjai Sanders
To start, it all depends on Sanders gaining back the weight lost. He was always slightly smaller than the ideal EDGE prospect and dropping 20+ pounds is a major concern. If he can put get back up to weight and remain consistent, all those concerns drop off.
Sanders is a very raw prospect with plenty to work with. His best fit is on the weak side of a 3-4 base defense, though he could work within a 4-3 system. Sanders’ jump off the ball is extremely quick and is very hot and cold. When it’s on, Sanders is hitting the quarterback and running back at the mesh point in read options. When it’s off, quarterbacks will draw him offsides, resulting in a free play.
In terms of alignment, Sanders has lined up all over the defensive line, including 9T. With his quickness off the snap, getting a jump that far outside gets tackles out of position allowing Sanders to control the play. Kicking him inside is a sure matchup issue for guards because his hands and quick feet allow him to get through.
Perhaps the most impressive part of his game is his arsenal of pass rush moves. He’s experienced success with rips, push-pulls, speed-to-power, and bullrushes. Adding this arsenal to his already relentless pursuit of the quarterback, Sanders often warranted double-teams.
As long as Sanders can get healthy and work back some of the weight lost, he can reassure teams that his weight is not a concern. It’s possible that his high ceiling allows for a team to take a chance on him in the second round. Conversely, his penalty concerns and decline in productivity in 2021 scare teams off until day three. Regardless, Sanders is a legitimate EDGE prospect flying under the radar. Within the right system that plays to his strengths, he could carve out a very solid career.
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