Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about JA'TAVION SANDERS:
Texas | HT: 6037 | WT: 245 | 40 time: 4.69 | Arm: 3278 | Hand: 1018 | Wing: 7814
Junior entry, two-year starter. Earned first-team All-Big 12 in both 2023 and 2022. Sanders came out of high school ranked as a top-shelf, five-star “athlete”. Ask different programs and you would have gotten different answers on where they envisioned him. The high school wide receiver/defensive end and accomplished basketball player was put at tight end right away upon arriving in Austin. He left atop the school’s all-time record book in receptions and second in yards. It took time, as 2021 was a complete wash. But he ascended to a key point of their passing game abruptly as a sophomore and took off. While his tools may leave him just a bit short as a pure slot tight end prospect and the lack of size will limit him as a traditional in-line guy, the tape shows a player who can help an offense produce in multiple ways. This ascending player is a fit into any scheme and will be extra-attractive to offenses that want to move their tight ends around. Lined up all over the offense, seeing notable snaps in-line, in the slot, out wide, and in the backfield. Blend of skills and talent will give an offense several options. Physical nature shows up as a blocker, and can make a credible difference maker there. Hands improved from 2022 to 2023, as he did not drop a single ball after dropping four the year prior. Ranked fifth in FBS in yards after catch. Lack of agility shows up as a route runner. Rounded routes with too many recovery steps when he changes direction. Needs to show better technique as a blocker, primarily with his lower half. Does not always show a natural feel post-catch for open space.
2023 Stats: 45-682, 15.2 ypr, 2 TD. OSR:11/13. Draft projection: 2nd/3rd round