The 2025 NFL Draft is upon us, and so is your need to be prepared for all of tomorrow’s stars. Dive into our spotlight on T.J. Sanders, featuring his scouting report, strengths and weaknesses, his recent draft projection, and where all the experts predict he could land.
T.J. Sanders’ NFL Draft Scouting Report
In a pretty deep defensive tackle draft class, T.J. Sanders has managed to stand out as one of the more enticing players in the group. A powerful 3-technique defensive tackle who also brings some juice as a penetrating 1-technique, Sanders appears to have the strength and improving technique to hold his own in NFL trenches.
With solid overall quickness and an improving arsenal of moves to shed blocks, Sanders was a true impact player for South Carolina in 2024. He’s an effective run defender who brings enough pressure as a pass-rusher to entice NFL teams.
There’s still some room for Sanders to grow, as his pad level is a pretty consistent issue with his game.
He’s shown development as a technician, but he still could use a little more work utilizing counter moves and taking on down blockers. Overall, he’s a high-floor run defender with good pass-rush upside to hone.
T.J. Sanders’ NFL Draft Projection
In CSN’s 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from April 12, Sanders landed in Round 2 with the 59th overall pick. James Fragoza has this to say:
With heavy hands and a rock-solid core, you’ll rarely see T.J. Sanders on his back or losing ground in the trenches. His play against the pass may not be flashy, but the Ravens will greatly benefit from his dominant run defense, as he consistently disrupts opposing schemes up front.
And in CSN’s recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft for Day 2, Bjorn Bergstrom had this to say about Sanders’ selection to the Las Vegas Raiders in Round 3 with the 68th pick:
With reports citing that star DT Christian Wilkins may not be back in time for the 2025-26 season due to an ongoing foot injury, the Raiders land a potential short-term and long-term replacement in Sanders. The 6’4″, 290-pounder has scheme versatility and could take some of the pressure off All-Pro EDGE Maxi Crosby by eating up blocks on the interior.
2025 NFL Draft Landing Spots for T.J. Sanders
Here are other potential landing spots that have found their way in recent mock drafts:
- Baltimore Ravens
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals
- Buffalo Bills
T.J. Sanders’ NFL Draft Profile
- Height: 6037
- Weight: 297 pounds
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: South Carolina
- Arm: 3318
- Hand: 1028
- 40-Yard Dash: n/a
- 10-Yard Split: n/a
- Broad Jump: 9’4″
- Vertical Jump: 31.5″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.67
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.70
T.J. Sanders’ College Stats
Career:
- Games: 39
- Solo Tackles: 63
- Assists: 46
- TFL: 18
- Sacks: 9.5
- PBU: 6
- FR: 0
- FF: 0
2024:
- Games: 13
- Solo Tackles: 29
- Assists: 21
- TFL: 7
- Sacks: 4.0
- PBU: 0
- FR: 1
- FF: 0
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