Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with our spotlight on T.J. Sanders. Get the breakdown on his strengths and weaknesses in our scouting report, understand his potential with our draft profile, and see where experts predict he’ll 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.
Looking for more analysis on prospects? Here’s our defensive tackle scouting reports for the 2025 NFL Draft and all other positions.
T.J. Sanders’ Latest NFL Draft Projection
In PFSN’s most recent seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Ian Cummings projects Sanders to be drafted at No. 49 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“At 6’4″, almost 300 pounds, with over 33″ arms, T.J. Sanders is as sturdy as stone in run defense, and he has the awesome power profile to blast through gaps as a pass-rusher.”
Ready to have some fun? Jump into our free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and follow along during the NFL Draft. The simulator will be updated in real-time, allowing you to finish the rest of the draft based on the results.
T.J. Sanders’ Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 297 pounds
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: Michigan
- Arm: 3318
- Wingspan: 8078
Where Does T.J. Sanders’ Rank Among 2025’s DT Prospects?
Here are the top 10 DT rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN Draft Analyst Ian Cummings:
10. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
9. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
8. Darius Alexander, Toledo
7. CJ West, Indiana
6. Alfred Collins, Texas
5. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
4. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
3. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
2. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
Defensive tackles who struggle in run defense can be tricky to take gambles on in the Day 2 range. T.J. Sanders doesn’t have that issue. He’s a strong and sturdy point-of-attack player who functions as a slab of rock in the ground game, and offers additional upside.
At around 6’4″, 297 pounds, with over 33″ arms, Sanders size profile matches up well as an even-front defensive tackle or odd-front defensive end. With his explosiveness and power, he can barrel into blockers at contact and hold the line, as well as plow through gaps.
Sanders’ pass-rush arsenal is still developing, and his stiff midsection makes him less of a factor on the lateral plane. Nevertheless, Sanders brings immediate utility as an early-down displacement reducer, with the power and swim arsenal to be a solid pass-rush presence.
Want more rankings? Here’s our NFL Draft Big Board for this year’s draft class. You can also make your own with the PFSN Big Board Builder.
T.J. Sanders’ College Stats
Career:
- Solo Tackles: 63
- Total Tackles: 109
- TFL: 18
- Sacks: 9.5
2024:
- Solo Tackles: 29
- Total Tackles: 50
- TFL: 7
- Sacks: 4