2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Texas TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Thursday, Aug, 5, 2021. (Stephen Spillman)

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Texas

Report Grade

Position Rank

2

Overall Rank

26

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Texas

Player Comp

Projection

Height

6’4″

Weight

241

40 Time

4.62*

Class

Junior
* Projected

TE

Combine Measurables

Arm Length

N/A

Hand Size

N/A

Wingspan

N/A

3 Cone

N/A

Vertical

N/A

Broad Jump

N/A

Bench Press

N/A

Shuttle

N/A

Career Stats

YearSchoolClassGamesReceptionsReceiving YardsYards Per ReceptionTouchdownsRushing AttemptsRushing YardsYards Per Rushing AttemptRushing Touchdowns
2021TexasFR12000.00000.00
2022TexasSO135461311.45000.00

Strengths

  • Generates excellent drive and push at the point of attack to open up running lanes
  • Locates and tracks the ball very well vertically
  • Strong willingness to sacrifice his body to block defenders off the edge

Weaknesses

  • Struggles to pull bock effectively from an inline position
  • Lacks the necessary strength to hold his own in pass protection and keep the pocket clean
  • Inconsistent ability to separate from the defender at the top of his route

Bio

2024 NFL Draft: Ja’Tavion Sanders Draft Profile and Scouting Report

Ja’Tavion Sanders burst onto the scene in 2022 as the starting tight end for the Longhorns. He finished the 2022 season with over 50 receptions, 613 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns. Recorded multi-touchdown games against West Virginia and Oklahoma, helping lead Texas to an 8-5 record.

Ja’Tavion Sanders 40 Time

Projected 40 Time: 4.62 seconds

Ja’Tavion Sanders is a two-year contributor at tight end for the University of Texas Longhorns. While he can hold his own as a receiver, Sanders is typically used as an extra run blocker. He possesses solid height and weight for the tight end position in the NFL. Our projected 40 time of 4.62 seconds is a tenth quicker than the league average.

He possesses a good ability to locate and track the ball vertically. His quickness off the line of scrimmage is solid, which allows him to get upfield in a hurry. Shows a good ability to block in space to open up room for the ball carrier at the second-level. Has a solid ability to deliver impactful blocks in goal line situations to generate push at the line of scrimmage. Displays good willingness to sacrifice his body to block the defender and win the rep at the point of attack.

However, he shows a poor ability to pull block and defend the ball from an inline position. Has an adequate strength to anchor without giving up room versus edge rushers. His use of hands versus edge rushers to establish leverage and keep the pocket clean is poor. Lacks a consistent ability to create separation from the defender at the top of his route.

Recruiting Bio

Ja’Tavion Sanders graduated from Billy Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, where he played football for head coach Dave Henigan. He was a two-sport athlete, also playing on the basketball team. He was a consensus five-star recruiting prospect among the major outlets, as well as ranked as the 1st or 2nd athlete in the country.

Prior to his commitment to the University of Texas, he received offers from Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, and Georgia, as well as many others. In September of 2019, Sanders committed to Texas, with his letter of intent coming a year later in December of 2020. He enrolled in classes in June of 2021.

Accolades

  • 2022 John Mackey Award semifinalist
  • 2022 John Mackey Award preseason watchlist
  • 2022 First-Team All-Big 12 (Coaches and Associated Press)

2024 TE Rankings

#1

Brock Bowers

TE – Georgia

#2

Ja’Tavion Sanders

TE – Texas

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