Defensive tackle Byron Murphy has emerged as Texas’ top rated prospect for the 2024 NFL draft.
However, there’s a handful of Longhorns that could be taken off the board shortly after Murphy. Could the next in line be tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders? According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Sanders could hear his name called as early as the first round.
In Zierlein’s first NFL mock draft released this week, Sanders was projected No. 32 overall to the San Francisco 49ers.
Sanders isn’t a great blocker, but he can beat man coverage and makes tough catches. He would provide Kyle Shanahan with a unique size matchup for his offense.
As a junior for Texas in 2023, Sanders hauled in 45 receptions for 682 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception and was a matchup nightmare in Steve Sarkisian’s explosive offense.
Sanders became the only Texas tight end in program history with multiple career 100-yard receiving games.
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