Seven former Arkansas Razorbacks headed to the NFL

Sanders, Stromberg drafted, five more Hogs sign deals as free agents

From the University of Arkansas

arkansasrazorbacks.com

Arkansas saw two players get drafted in the third round last week and then five more land with NFL teams following the conclusion of the draft last Saturday.

On Friday, the Denver Broncos drafted linebacker Drew Sanders, 6-4, 236, in Round 3 with pick No. 67.

The Broncos only had five picks in the draft with Sanders being the lone linebacker taken by them.

In one season at Arkansas, Sanders had 103 tackles, 40 solo, 13.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, one interception, five pass breakups, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles and a recovered one. He had previously played at Alabama.

The Washington Commanders then chose center Ricky Stromberg, 63, 310. The Commanders took Stromberg in Round 3 and the No. 97 pick. He was one of two offensive linemen drafted by Washington. Stromberg was a four-year starter at Arkansas.

The five undrafted free agents are:

• kicker Jake Bates, 6-0, 204, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• offensive tackle Dalton Wagner, 6-8, 318, to the Las Vegas Raiders

• linebacker Bumper Pool, 6-2, 235, with the Carolina Panthers

• wide receiver Jadon Haselwood, 6-2, 217, with the Philadelphia Eagles

• wide receiver Matt Landers, 6-4 1/2, 202, to the Seattle Seahawks.

Pool became Arkansas’ alltime leading tackler in 2022. His 441 tackles surpassed those of Tony Bua’s 408. Despite battling injuries, Pool finished with 92 tackles, 37 solo, 4.5 for loss, two sacks, three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. Pool missed the Missouri game and AutoZone Liberty Bowl due to hip injuries that required surgery. If healthy, the Panthers may have gotten a gem who can help them many years.

Landers ran the third fastest 40-yard dash time, 4.37, at the NFL Scouting Combine. In one season at Arkansas following transferring in from Toledo, Landers caught 47 passes for 901 yards and eight touchdowns. He rushed twice for 21 yards.

Haselwood also played one season at Arkansas. After

See DRAFT, page A13

Photos courtesy of the University of Arkansas DRAFT

From page A6

transferring from Oklahoma, Haselwood caught 59 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns.

Bates had 75 kickoffs in 2022 with 64 going for touchbacks. He replaced Vito Calvaruso who had handled the duties in 2021 and allowed Cam Little to concentrate on placements.

Bates transferred to Arkansas from Texas State.

Wagner had a good 2022 season. He was first-team All-SEC with Pro Football Focus and earned second-team honors with the AP. He started 12 games in 2022 and that allowed him to claim at least one start in the five years he played for the Hogs. He redshirted in 2017 and didn’t play and then had 40 starts in his career.