The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25, and runs through Saturday, April 27, with six of the seven rounds taking place over Friday and Saturday. While Georgia’s Brock Bowers has been the talk of the tight end town during the pre-draft period, Texas TE Ja’Tavion Sanders is another interesting draftee with the potential to elevate any team’s passing game. Sanders had two good seasons as a Longhorn, hitting the 600-yard mark in both 2022 and 2023, and amassing seven TDs over two seasons. He is likely to be a Day 2 pick.
Ja’Tavion Sanders: Scouting Report
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlighted Sanders’ ability to open up the passing game as a non-WR option, though he has some shortcomings in his run-blocking responsibilities.
Talented pass-catching tight end with an exciting floor if he can handle the rigors of the pro game. Sanders possesses an average build, but he has room for more muscle. He flashes as a run blocker, but he isn’t consistent at the point of attack. He can get up the field from in-line or from the slot, beating man coverage at his route stems or separating quickly from turns. He is able to dig in and win combat catches underneath and has proven to be highly effective running the seam or catching intermediate throws into zone pockets. Teams looking for a tight end with a more complete game might pass on him, but his potential to open up the passing game and become a highly productive pass-catcher should be hard to pass on.
Mock Draft landing spots
The Colts and the Chargers are two potential landing spots for Sanders. Los Angeles lost pass-catching TE Gerald Everett this offseason, and the Colts could certainly use an upgrade at the position. The Rams could also be on the hunt for a future replacement for Tyler Higbee, and the Buccaneers may look for another pass-catcher to add to their roster in the second or third round.
Fantasy football implications
Aside from the Rams, any of these teams would be likely to work Sanders into their receiving rotation in his rookie year. They will be drafting him for his pass-catching strengths, making him a good fantasy candidate over tight ends that may be used primarily as blockers. While he will be a slightly later draftee, his fantasy ceiling in 2024 would be especially high in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.