Ja’Tavion Sanders was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the 101st overall pick in the 4th round after three years and two starting seasons at Texas. Sanders compiled 99 receptions on 139 targets (71.2 Catch %) for 1295 yards (13.1 yards per reception) and 12 touchdowns. He lands with the Panthers, who haven't had a competent Tight End since Greg Olsen retired.
Sanders adds explosive playmaking (1.86 yards per route run is a top percentile type of number) from the TE, which should be prioritized to help Bryce Young in his second year. He offers a wide throwing window with 7 contested catches on 14 such targets, which should play to Young’s benefit. Sanders has to compete with Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Leggette, and Jonathan Brooks when healthy.
This is not an insurmountable target share to rise up, especially if he can build a connection with Young. Sanders isn't the best blocking Tight End they could have drafted, but he is still new to the position, and yet he didn't drop a single pass in 2023. The Panthers need offense weapons to show up fast so seeing Sanders getting off to a hot start wouldn’t surprise me.
Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas's time should be over immediately, and if they are in there for more than just heavy packages, I'll be confused. His mid-second-round rookie draft capital seems fair. An 157th ADP in start-ups is a value compared to who is being drafted around him. In redraft, he could be one of your last picks if you missed out on the other Tight Ends.
Our consensus projections for Sanders in the 2024 season are 44 receptions, 491 yards, and 4 touchdowns.
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