By: Michael Higgins

School: Texas

Class: Junior

Position: TE

HT: 6’4

WT: 243 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #24

Background: Ja’Tavion Sanders was one of the best recruits in the 2021 high school class. He is from Denton, Texas and attended Ryan High School, where football is the only thing that matters. He has been on the big stage ever since he began his high school football career. At Ryan, Sanders was considered an all-purpose player as he was effective on both sides of the ball. He played linebacker and tight end for Ryan and was named an All-American. Sanders was a finalist for the Texas Player of the Year award as a senior at Ryan. Being a 5-star recruit, Sanders had more than a large variety of schools to choose from, but it was football’s worst kept secret that Sanders was staying home. He chose the Texas Longhorns over Texas A&M.

College: As a freshman in 2021, Sanders played in all 12 games, but was mainly featured on special teams as opposed to being a tight end. In his sophomore season, he saw a big increase in opportunity. He was named First Team All-Big 12 and was a finalist for the John Mackey Award. Sanders hauled in 54 receptions in his first season as the starting tight end, most in program history.

Strengths: Ja’Tavion Sanders is a gifted receiving tight end with the skills of a wide receiver but the size of a tight end. He brings a physicality to his game that makes him a mismatch for whoever lines up across from him. He has sure hands and consistently makes plays in open space after the catch is made. He can make impressive catches with defenders draped all over him, He can run through defenders but can also make defenders miss with agility. He is also an incredible route runner. He cuts on a dime to create separation. His first step is quick and effective. Sanders has no wasted movements, not only running a complex route tree, but running them efficiently. Sanders will always fight for the extra yard and consistently falls forward. His legs never stop moving even when met with multiple defenders. As a blocker, Sanders presents a dense and strong frame that gives edge rushers trouble. He can handle taking on one on one matchups in the run game, but also can throw in extremely effective chip blocks before running a route.

Weaknesses: While he is difficult to contain, he is not a tight end with unmatchable speed. He can be slowed down with defensive zone help. He is never going to leave defenders completely in the dust. His separation mostly stems from his route running, not speed.

Conclusion: Sanders is a top tier tight end prospect and brings everything you are looking for from a tight end coming out of the draft. Speed is not a common luxury to see out of tight ends, Sanders will find other ways to succeed at the next level.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Starting TE

Best Team Fits: LAC, SEA, DEN

Player Comparison: Mark Andrews

Player Grade: 87.4