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Longhorns' Ja'Tavion Sanders A Top TE in 2024 NFL Draft, Says PFF
PFF has placed three Texas Longhorns student-athletes on an early 2024 first-round mock NFL draft list, and Trevor Sikkema has tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders high on the prospect list.
Sikkema has Sanders at the No. 2 slot amongst all college football tight ends behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers who is expected to be a top-ten draft pick.
The Texas powerhouse tight end had a standout season last year and broke the Longhorn program record for the most receptions by a tight end in a single season, recording 54 receptions. Starting all 13 games of the year, Sanders totaled 613 yards and recorded five touchdowns.
Sanders was one of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers' top targets last season, falling behind Xavier Worthy. Even with Ewers' limited season due to injury, Sanders and Ewers still stood out as a dynamic and consistent duo on the field.
Averaging 11.4 yards per catch in the 2022 season, Sanders was a reliable target for Ewers. He placed fourth on the Longhorn's roster in yards per catch behind Bijan Robinson, Jordan Whittington and Worthy. Now that Robinson his beginning his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons, Sanders will need to step up as one of Ewers' go-to guys.
With Ewers repeatedly headlining reports showcasing improvement during this offseason, Ewers may be on track to set Sanders up, and even himself, for an early 2024 NFL draft slot.
You can follow Tori Garcia on Twitter @ToriCGarcia
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