Myjai Sanders EDGE Cincinnati: Scouting Report

Height: 6’5’’

Weight: 247

Overall

Myjai Sanders is a long, athletic edge rusher in Cincinnati’s hybrid defense. He lined up primarily in the 7 technique and 9 technique off the edge. In his 4 college seasons, he played 48 games, starting 38 of them. He was a long-time starter and leader of Cincinnati’s dominant defenses, and he had a lot of production when rushing the passer.

Pass Game

Sanders has a very quick first step off the line of scrimmage and has the size, length, and hand usage to get around his man off the edge. He has a long frame but needs to add more strength and mass to better get off of blocks and drive his man in to the pocket. He plays with a very high motor when rushing the passer and consistently fights to the football even when he is getting double-teamed. When gets off his blocks and into the backfield, he has poor bend and struggles to quickly change direction which makes it easier for quarterbacks to step up into the pocket and avoid his pressure. He had a lot of sack production in his career at Cincinnati and can make an immediate impact in the NFL as a rotational pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme.

Run Game

Sanders showed a lot of issues against the run on film. His lack of strength makes it difficult for him to set the edge against outside runs. He plays with his head down too often which limits his ability to locate the football and fill the open gaps. He does not play with enough urgency to get to the ball-carrier and does not show enough willingness to tackle. There were multiple plays on film where he allowed big runs through his designated gap and if he does not improve his strength and intensity against the run moving forward, he will be a liability in the run game in the NFL.

Last Word

Myjai Sanders projects best as a 7-technique pass rusher in a 4-3 defense. He has the physical tools and technique to be a very strong pass rusher, but his lack of run support will limit his usage on early downs. He will excel on 3rd downs where he can solely focus on getting to the quarterback. His lack of balance and change of direction abilities though are a cause for concern and will limit his ability to play special teams as well.

One-Liner: Myjai Sanders has the size, speed, and technique to be a contributor off the edge in pass rushing situations but his lack of strength and tackling ability will limit his usage in the pros.

Grade: 6.2 (Backup with True Position Flexibility)

Games Watched: 2021 – Indiana, UCF

Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans