Panthers to Host Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders for Pre-Draft Visit

Carolina wants to get a closer look at the Longhorns tight end.

The Carolina Panthers will be looking to add weapons for Bryce Young later this month in the 2024 NFL Draft, but not just at receiver. 

Tight end and perhaps even running back could be areas where the Panthers hope to improve their depth. 

As far as the tight end spot is concerned, the Panthers need to find an answer at tight end in the passing game. 

Most mock draft projections have Carolina taking a receiver, edge rusher, or center with their two second rounds picks but if they want to land what many view as the second-best tight end in the class, Ja’Tavion Sanders (Texas), they’ll likely need to take him in the second, potentially in a trade back scenario.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Sanders is scheduled to have a pre-draft visit with the Panthers and the Cleveland Browns this week.

Over his last two seasons, Sanders hauled in 99 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns. On a team that featured potential first round picks Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, he still found a way to put up big numbers for a tight end.

In Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on NFL.com, he compares Sanders to David Njoku.

“Talented pass-catching tight end with an exciting floor if he can handle the rigors of the pro game. Sanders possesses an average build, but he has room for more muscle. He flashes as a run blocker, but he isn’t consistent at the point of attack. He can get up the field from in-line or from the slot, beating man coverage at his route stems or separating quickly from turns. He is able to dig in and win combat catches underneath and has proven to be highly effective running the seam or catching intermediate throws into zone pockets. Teams looking for a tight end with a more complete game might pass on him, but his potential to open up the passing game and become a highly productive pass-catcher should be hard to pass on.”