Ja'Tavion Sanders

Panthers selected Texas TE Ja’Tavion Sanders with the No. 101 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Having played both tight end and defensive end at an elite level in high school, Sanders (6'4/245) was a five-star, positionless recruit for Texas. He was deemed a tight end ahead of his freshman season but spent the bulk of his time on special teams. Sanders was promoted to a starting role in 2022 and returned the favor with 54 grabs for 614 yards and five scores. With Adonai Mitchell transferring to Texas for an immediate breakout season, Sanders’ cut of the passing game took a hit in his final season. He caught nine fewer passes and saw his touchdown total drop by three. However, the diverted attention from defenses allowed his efficiency to take a leap. His YPC jumped from 11.4 to 15.2. He also made gains in yards per route run and yards after the catch. Sanders shows good long speed on tape and leverages his frame to win contested targets at a high clip. His 4.69 40-yard dash was a strong start at the combine, but eight reps on the bench press and a 30-inch vertical tanked his RAS down to a 5.65. Though he may lack the athleticism to ascend to true stardom in the NFL, Sanders should contribute as a pass-catcher in Carolina in his rookie season. He will rank as the TE3 of the class in dynasty leagues.