Emmanuel Sanders
WR, SMU · 2010 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #82 (PIT)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 172 of ~193 possible regular-season games from 2010 through 2021 (~89%). Last NFL season: 2021.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #93 (#12 at his position), close to where he went (#82). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
SMU: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at 186 lbs: faster than 77% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 172 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 9 |
| Pro Bowls | 2 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 63 |
| Passing | 3/3, 78 yds, 2 TD, undefined INT |
| Rushing | 21 att, 202 yds, 1 TD |
| Receiving | 704 rec, 9,245 yds, 51 TD |
| Defense | 8 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2021 |
The 2010 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2010 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 11", 186 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.40 s |
| Bench press | 12 reps |
| Vertical | 39.5" |
| Broad jump | 126" |
| 3-cone | 6.64 s |
| Shuttle | 4.1 s |
| Arm / hand | 32" / 9.25" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #93 overall (#12 WR) |
Picked around him 2010 redraft
| 79 | Donald Butler | redraft #58 |
| 80 | J.D. Walton | redraft #74 |
| 81 | Earl Mitchell | redraft #63 |
| 83 | Corey Peters | redraft #32 |
| 84 | Jordan Shipley | redraft #136 |
| 85 | Colt McCoy | redraft #90 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.