Ja'Tavion Sanders
Ja'Tavion Sanders  TE  Texas | NFL Draft 2024 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Ja'Tavion Sanders
Height
6-4
Weight
245
College
Texas
Position
TE
Class
Junior
Home town
Denton, TX
86.8/100
Player Rating
2
PositionRank (TE)
4.69
FortyYD Time
Receptions
45
Rec YDs
682
Rec TDs
2
Rec AVG
15.2

Ja'Tavion Sanders TE Texas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Ja'Tavion Sanders TE Texas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE
Last Updated: 04/21/2024
Draft Year: 2024
40 time: 4.69 seconds (72%*)
Age: 21.8 DOB: 03/27/2003
Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl
Measurables:
Height: 6-4 (41%*) Weight: 245 (24%*)
Hands: 10 1/8 (64%*) Arm: 32 7/8 (45%*) Span: 77 4/8 (23%*)
Forty: 4.69 (C) (72%*) Shuttle: 4.32 (C) (64%*) Ten Yard: 1.59 (C) (81%*)
Vertical: 30 (P) (18%*) Broad: 114 (P) (44%*)
Bench: 8 (P) (1%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
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ROLE: Inline Multi-Role TE
Last Updated: 04/21/2024
Draft Year: 2024
40 time: 4.69 seconds (72%*)
Age: 21.8 DOB: 03/27/2003
Bowl Invite: Shrine Bowl
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-4 (41%*) Weight: 245 (24%*)
Hands: 10 1/8 (64%*) Arm: 32 7/8 (45%*)
Span: 77 4/8 (23%*)
Forty: 4.69 (C) (72%*) Shuttle: 4.32 (C) (64%*)
10 Yard: 1.59 (C) (81%*)
Vertical: 30 (P) (18%*) Broad: 114 (P) (44%*)
Bench: 8 (P) (1%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 86.8 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
78%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
QB Rating When targeted: 109.2
Hands:
92%
Short Receiving:
90%
Intermediate Routes:
96%
Deep Threat:
92%
Blocking:
66%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 2nd - Mid
Overall Rank: #40 Position rank: #2
College Games: 26 College Snaps: 1491
Grade: 5 ESPN  Stars 5 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 90/100
Grade: 247 Sports 5  Stars 247 Sports 98 Stars 247 RATING: 98/100
Grade: 5 Stars 5 Stars RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
Player Comparison* (Similarity level)
Dalton Kincaid - Utah
99%
Michael Mayer - Notre Dame
92%
Trey McBride - Colorado State
88%
Carolina Panthers Drafted: ROUND: 4 - Pick Number: 101 (CAR)
Draft Profile: Bio
Ja'Tavion Sanders from Ryan High School was rated a 5-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Sanders opted to join Texas.

In 2021 as a freshman Sanders saw action in just 3 games for the Longhorns and didn't feature in the passing game.

As a sophomore in 2022 he played 12 games and had 49 catches for 577 yards for an average of 11.8 yards per catch, with 5 TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 119.3. In pass protection he gave up 4 pressures in limited action in pass protection.

As a junior in 2023 he played 13 games and hauled in 39 catches for 607 yards for an average of 15.6 yards per catch, with 2 TDs, and an impressive QB rating when targeted of 104.3. As a pass blocker, he gave up 4 pressures and surrendered a far-from-impressive 3 sacks.
Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Excellent open-field blocker takes effective angles and shows strength against secondary defenders.
  • Super reliable receiver potential outstanding high pointer
  • Exhibits great deep speed and agility as a route runner
  • Effective after the catch, shows potential as a screen receiver to take it the distance
  • Nice lateral movement, adding versatility to his receiving abilities
  • Can not be covered by linebackers, will need a corner to keep up with him
  • Has strong hand usage against press coverage - able to get off at the line
  • Super soft hands - rarely drops a pass
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Encounters difficulty when facing collegiate edge defenders at the line.
  • Less suited for traditional tight-end blocking roles that require consistent in-line play.
  • Had little experience as a blocker and in limited action has underperformed as a pass blocker, and is only average in the run game
  • Will need time to develop if expected to become a complete multi-role pro-level tight end
Scouting Report: Summary
Ja'Tavion Sanders has demonstrated the attributes of a dynamic receiving threat, showcasing the ability to create mismatches in the passing game and stretch the field vertically. His skill set suggests he would thrive in a spread offense system, where his receiving skills would be a major asset, where he could quickly put up big numbers and present a height-weight-speed mismatch for pro defenses.

Despite outstanding receiving talents, Sanders faces the challenge of developing into a more rounded tight end at the pro level. His progression as an in-line blocker will be crucial for him to transition into an every-down player. His current agility and quickness offer a good base for this improvement. His potential as a super dependable who hardly ever drops an on-target pass adds another layer to his profile, making him a valuable target for quarterbacks looking for an outlet.

Looking ahead to the 2024 draft, Sanders is likely to draw attention as a day-two prospect. He presents a compelling combination of immediate impact potential in the passing game and room for growth as a blocker. Sanders is the kind of player who could make an immediate impact as a receiver and transform an offense, he's the second-best tight end in this year's class.

Ja'Tavion Sanders percentiles vs other Tight Ends (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)

How other scouting services rate Ja'Tavion Sanders (Overall Rank)

All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
57.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
3.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance. For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.

*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.