The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the T.J. Sanders NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: South Carolina
Size: 6-foot-4, 297 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior
2024 stats: 50 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 pass defended
As a three-star prospect in the class of 2021, Sanders decided to stay in-state to play for South Carolina. He didn’t play much his first season, but then registered 16 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack in 2022. For the 2023 season, he really started having an impact with 43 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. His play helped the Gamecocks win five games that season. For the 2024 season, Sanders accrued 50 total tackles, seven tackles for loss and four sacks. He led South Carolina to a better season, as they finished with nine wins in 2024.
Following the season, Sanders declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a day-two pick.
Sanders has a good frame to work with for an interior defensive lineman. He is 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, which won’t make him the biggest interior defensive lineman, but there is room for him to fill out his frame even more. On top of his solid starting frame, Sanders has solid arm length that measures in at over 33 inches.
For an interior defensive lineman, Sanders is a refined pass rushers. He can win with his speed, flexibility and athleticism. Sanders also has the capability to win with plenty of pass rush moves and counter moves. His plan going into plays is solid and he is able to adjust on the fly to find the best ways to pressure the quarterback.
He has great athleticism for the interior of the defensive line. It starts with a quick first step at the snap of the ball. He is able to convert that quick first step into good speed. Sanders is also able to change directions well, which can create havoc for offensive linemen. His flexibility helps him bend around offensive linemen and change directions quicker.
Sanders needs to fill out his frame and add strength to be more impactful at the next level. He can be overmatched by some interior offensive linemen who have more strength than him. There are some plays where he has little impact and others when he is completely overtaken. He also doesn’t hold up well against double teams.
He leaves a lot to be desired as a run defender. As mentioned, he lacks strength and can have trouble anchoring against blocks, which lets others make plays. He can struggle to shed, which limits his ability to go make tackles on ball carriers. Right now, he needs to work on adding strength so he can be more impactful against the run.
There are times when Sanders struggles to shed quickly. He can add strength to help him shed better, but he can also use his length better to help him shed. He has heavy hands, but keeping his hands inside and having better timing will also help him shed quicker and make him a better player overall.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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