Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders might not be a burner, but the gifted receiver has enough speed to challenge defensive backs. The former five-star athlete displayed his running ability at the NFL combine.
Sanders posted a 4.69 40-yard dash in his second attempt on Friday after running it in 4.74 on a first attempt. That might not to impress anybody, but it’s a good enough number for a tight end at his size.
More importantly than his performance at the combine, Sanders’ on-field ability is what should have scouts wanting to draft the matchup nightmare. The imposing tight end put up big numbers in 2023 finishing third in college football in receiving yards among tight ends. He did so despite several battles with injury.
Out of the Longhorns’ loaded NFL draft class, perhaps Sanders is the most likely to have an elite career. There aren’t many tight ends who are as good receivers as the former Denton Ryan player.
Several teams could improve by adding a player of Sanders’ caliber. We expect he’ll see his name called early in the upcoming NFL draft.
Here’s how social media took the news.