STRENGTHS - Although Sanders did not time well at the combine, he plays much faster on the field because of his suddenness and ability to make cuts at top speed. He is a fluid route runner that has no wasted motions, allowing him to make subtle head and shoulder fakes into his breaks without gearing down. This allows him to create consistent separation when given free releases against off and zone coverages. He catches the ball consistently with his hands, and transitions quickly upfield after the catch without losing momentum and without losing focus and dropping easy balls. Once in space he is elusive and explosive, and possesses the open field run instincts to be a dangerous punt returner at the next level.
WEAKNESSES - Sanders has poor height and bulk for an NFL player, and appears to have limited growth potential. While long term durability will certainly be an issue because of his frame, his stature brings a number of other concerns with it as well. He is a completely ineffective blocker because of his lack of strength at the POA, and has to rely on cut blocks to try to chop his man to the ground. With the ball in the air he does not display explosive leaping ability, and is too easily outplayed by DBs on 50/50 balls because of his lack of physicality. He also displays a limited catching radius, and struggles to corral off target throws outside of his frame. When faced with press coverage, if he can't separate off the LOS with his initial quickness, he is too easily rerouted by physical defenders
SUMMARY - Ace Sanders was a fun prospect to evaluate because of his outstanding explosiveness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. While his measured top end speed is not overly impressive, he is able to play at a consistently high speed because of his balance and agility, allowing him to consistently create separation by running tight routes and using a variety of head and shoulder fakes going into his breaks. While he displays good hands on balls within his frame, he struggles to get to balls away from him and has a limited catch radius, as one would expect with a player of his stature. His size and strength limitations will limit him to the slot at the next level, as he lacks the physicality to be an effective blocker or operate effectively against press coverage. He brings added value as a punt returner, as he catches the ball consistently and shows outstanding open field run instincts and is very decisive with his movements. He is worth an early day three selection, and because of his polished route running and ability to return kick he will be an immediate contributor.