When talking about this year’s crop of quarterback prospects, you rarely hear the name Spencer Sanders come up after a quiet year at Ole Miss in 2023. Yet, his four years’ worth of production at Oklahoma State certainly makes him worth a look for teams trying to identify late-round talents under center who factor into an NFL quarterback room down the road.
Here is everything you need to know about Sanders and his evaluation as a prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Tall Is Spencer Sanders?
The ideal size and speed profile for a quarterback prospect entering the NFL feels like it is evolving with the number of RPO-centric college offenses that operate primarily out of the shotgun. Sanders’ rushing contributions during the earlier portions of his career make his 6’0” frame (seventh percentile) a bit more acceptable at the collegiate level, but it still falls well short of the average for signal callers entering the NFL.
How Much Does Sanders Weigh?
Sanders tips the scales at 211 pounds — which puts him in the 17th percentile at his position — but does carry some sturdiness and contact balance to his frame, which allows for some plus-level value as a rushing threat when he decides to become a runner.
How Old Is Sanders?
Sanders enters the pro game at 24 years old, which puts him among the older QB prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft. He will turn 25 years old during the back half of his rookie season in the NFL.
What School Did Sanders Go To?
After being named Mr. Texas and the Texas Gatorade State Player of the Year in 2017 out of Billy Ryan High School, Sanders committed to Oklahoma State.
Most of Sanders’ collegiate journey was spent in a Cowboys’ uniform at Oklahoma State, spending the first five years of his career in Stillwater, Okla. Before the 2023 season, he transferred to Ole Miss, where he played his final year of college ball.
Revisiting Sanders’ College Career
Sanders joined the Cowboys ahead of the 2018 college football season but did not play during his redshirt freshman season.
In 2019, Sanders saw his first action at the collegiate level. He threw for 2,065 yards and 16 TDs while adding 628 yards and two scores on the ground during his impressive redshirt freshman campaign.
The COVID-19-impacted 2020 season didn’t do him any favors in the statistical department, but he still provided plenty of production over his nine games of action during his redshirt sophomore season. His 2,007 passing yards, 269 rushing yards, and 16 total TDs solidified his role as the starting man for the Cowboys heading into the future.
His redshirt junior campaign proved to be his career year as a passer with 2,839 yards and 20 TDs with 12 INTs was complemented by his 668 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to reach new heights in his final season at Stillwater, throwing for 2,642 yards and 17 TDs in 2022.
He went on to transfer to Ole Miss ahead of the 2023 season but ultimately lost the battle for the starting role to Jaxson Dart. He threw for just 278 yards and three scores in his final collegiate year.
Sanders’ Potential in the NFL
Sanders is certainly an experienced quarterback who flashed some promising moments under center during his time at Oklahoma State. He is a tough competitor who flashes the ability to hang in the pocket, can create with his legs with plus-level hip fluidity, and has enough arm talent to make NFL-type throws over the middle and outside the numbers.
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Yet, his lack of size and elite explosiveness will likely limit his impact as a runner at the next level, his absence of elite arm talent limits his upside as a passer, and the processing and ball placement was a bit inconsistent.
It also doesn’t exactly do him any favors that he failed to win a starting job during his sixth year in college. His advanced age also limits the developmental runway a bit for NFL teams. Ultimately, Sanders has a chance to hear his name called on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft but will likely become a priority free agent once the draft concludes.
Looking for everything you need on the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
