Ja’Tavion Sanders is a tight end out of the University of Texas and is projected to be drafted in the second round in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently the No. 2 tight end on our 2024 Dynasty Rookie Rankings (SuperFlex) and will likely be a second or third-round pick in in dynasty fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts.
Check out our Fantasy Stock Watch for our 2024 Rookie Draft Profiles and Scouting Reports.
JA’TAVION SANDERS DRAFT PROFILE AND NFL COMBINE RESULTS
- As a High School Prospect: Composite 5-Star, 13th Nationally (No. 1 Athlete)
- Skillset & Traits: Sanders creates mismatches in the passing game and has earned some of his highest grades in intermediate and deep-route running. He presents the opportunity to come in as an immediate starter in certain schemes, but also possesses fundamentals that would allow him to ease into schemes and duties, such as blocking. Sanders is also strong and quick in man-coverage situations, boosting his ability to be a force in passing schemes. He is touted as the second-best tight end in the 2024 NFL Draft class, behind Brock Bowers.
- Production: Sanders amassed 99 receptions, 1,295 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns in his three seasons at Texas. It’s important to note Sanders’ total receptions rank first all-time in tight end totals at Texas, and he only appeared on the special teams unit his freshman season, recording zero yards and zero catches that season.
- NFL Combine Results: Height: 6’4″ Weight: 245 Arm: 32 7/8″ Hand: 10 1/8″
JA’TAVION SANDERS SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- Route running
- Agility, quickness, and straight-line speed to get open in the seam
- Coverage mismatch against linebackers
- Shows willingness and adaptability in learning at various on-field spots
- High catch rate
- Creative, dynamic post-catch runner
- Consistent and reliable hands
- Solid run blocker, especially in the open field and on the perimeter
WEAKNESSES:
- Pass blocking, except in the open field and on the perimeter
- He can improve by using his stature and frame to be more physical against defenders
JA’TAVION SANDERS PRODUCTION PROFILE
Ja’Tavion Sanders went from special teams to averaging 11.4 yards per catch between his freshman and sophomore seasons. A number that only increased to 15.2 YPC in his junior season, helping him amass the 13-yard-per-reception mark in his career. These numbers were aided by his in-line route running and high catch rate.
Sanders has the most catches as a tight end in Longhorns history. His combined 99 catches in two seasons for 1,295 is second-most in school history. He also ranks in the Top 10 for receiving touchdowns (sixth) and was named All-Big 12 First Team in 2023, as well as, 2022.
He was the runner-up to the John Mackey Award twice — given annually to the tight end who best exemplifies the play, sportsmanship, academics, and community values — making him reliable on and off the field.
Sanders really did his damage in two seasons at Texas, but is being overshadowed in this year’s draft due to the talent of Brock Bowers. However, he finished just more than five yards behind him on average during the 2023 season. From 2022 to 2023, Sanders closed the gap between him and Bowers by nearly half.
His reliability explains his consistent usage during his sophomore and junior seasons. Sanders didn’t need to average a high amount of catches per game to be relied on for big plays, separating him from many other tight ends in his draft class.
Additionally, his 45 receptions fit alongside Texas’ wide receivers, too. Adonai Mitchell finished with 55, Jordan Whittington grabbed 42, and Xavier Worthy finished with a career-high 75. It makes sense that all four players earned an NFL Combine invite, with Mitchell and Worthy expected to be day-two selections.
“His best games this past season came in some of the biggest moments. Sanders had a career-high 114 receiving yards on five catches in the 34-24 win over Alabama on Sept. 9,” wrote Zach Dimmitt.”He’s just another talented piece on Steve Sarkisian’s offense that’s departing for the pros. He’s projected to be one of the first tight ends off the board once April’s draft rolls around.”
JA’TAVION SANDERS NFL COMBINE & RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE (RAS)
BOTTOM LINE
Ja’Tavion Sanders isn’t Brock Bowers. But that could be a good thing.
While Bowers should in-theory fit on any team, Sanders, if drafted by a team with the right scheme, could see development in key areas, like what we saw from his sophomore to junior season in Texas. He gained nearly five yards per game on Bowers between 2022 and 2023 while polishing his standout route running.
Sanders would be a sure-fire positive offensive addition to teams lacking at the tight end position, but could also be one weapon away from contention.
Sanders’ catch rate and power running after the catch make him a valuable pick for many teams. He has, however, been rumored and mocked to Indianapolis to run alongside Michael Pittman Jr. The key to Sanders is putting him in the right scheme to show how he can stand out.
The former Longhorn’s blend of size, athleticism, and natural receiving skills make him the second-best tight end prospect in rookie drafts, and he could be a future fantasy weapon in the right situation.
