Where will Ja'Tavion Sanders get drafted? Exploring Texas TE's draft stock

Ja'Tavion Sanders, a tight end for the Texas Longhorns, was unexpectedly ignored in the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. Being the all-time leader in catches by a tight end for Texas, Sanders should be particularly enticing to teams looking for a vertical presence at the position. He should be among the most sought-after selections on day three.

Going by most projections before the draft started, it's expected that Ja'Tavion Sanders will hear his name called among the first 10 players selected in the fourth round. Two of the teams that can likely pick him include the Los Angeles Chargers and Carolina Panthers.

After Brock Bowers, Ben Sinnott was selected by the Washington Commanders with their No. 53 overall pick on Day 2 of the draft, making him just the second tight end drafted. The Arizona Cardinals also selected Tip Reiman, a tight end from Illinois, with the 82nd overall pick in the third round.

Sanders is arguably the finest available option in the draft for any team still longing for a tight end. That being said, there are still a few clubs that might be interested in signing a tight end; in fact, some of them might choose to start Sanders during his rookie campaign.

Here is the current state of the former Texas player's market after just three tight ends were chosen in the first two days of the draft.

Ja'Tavion Sanders's NFL Draft projection

Ja'Tavion Sanders hasn't been selected after the first three rounds of the draft, despite being predicted as a possible Day Two pick.

Sanders is still one of several elite players available at the tight end position as the NFL Draft enters its third day.

The 21-year-old Texas native established a solid reputation for himself during his three years at Texas, especially in the latter two years after entering the program predominantly as a true freshman in 2021 and playing mostly on special teams.

Ja'Tavion Sanders caught 45 passes for 682 yards and two receiving touchdown during the 2023 season, helping his team to its first-ever College Football Playoff participation. That performance came on the back of a stellar 2022 campaign in which he caught 54 passes for 613 yards and five touchdowns.

The tight end should still be highly regarded by many NFL clubs on their third-day draft wish lists due to his potential to produce huge plays.

One team that should be keeping an eye out for a tight end pick on the third day of the draft is the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were right to overlook the position in the first three rounds of the draft after failing to choose Brock Bowers. They can now concentrate on their TE needs as they prepare for Rounds 4–7 on the third and last day.