NFL Draft Prospect: Texas Longhorns Tight End Could Take New Orleans Saints Offense To Another Level

The Saints have undervalued the tight end spot for years, but this Longhorn playmaker could change their mind in this year's NFL Draft.

It has been quite some time since a New Orleans Saints tight end has had relevance across the NFL. Jimmy Graham was one of the better offensive players in franchise history during his first stint with the team from 2010 to 2014. Frankly, the Saints just haven't put much emphasis on the position since Graham was traded during the 2015 offseason.

Juwan Johnson, a converted wideout, presents some matchup problems for defenses as a receiver, but is most effective when lined up in space. Foster Moreau is more of a traditional in-line tight end, but offers little as a receiving threat.

A few Texas Longhorns offensive players are expected to get a lot of attention in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Here's a look at one of those prospects.

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE - Texas; 6'4" & 245-Lbs.

Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) makes a catch during the College Football Playoff semifinals against the Washington Huskies

Credit:© Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Ja'Tavion Sanders attended Billy Ryan High School in Texas, where he was a WR/DE on the football team and forward on their basketball squad. In spring practices as a freshman at Texas in 2021, he worked out on both offense and defense before coaches eventually placed him at tight end. He'd mainly just get action on special teams during that freshman year.

Despite the presence of several weapons on the Texas offense, Sanders was a prominent performer his last two years. In 2022, he set a Longhorns record for catches and yards from a tight end with 54 receptions for 613 yards while catching five touchdowns. He reset his own record last season with 682 yards on 45 catches with two scores. For that production, Sanders earned back-to-back 1st Team All-Big 12 honors.

An outstanding receiver, Sanders possesses ideal length and great athleticism for the position. He's got advanced route skills with good open field speed and is lethal on seam routes. He offers a good catch radius, reliable hands, uses his body to shield defenders, and consistently makes plays in traffic.

Equally effective out of the slot or coming directly off the line, Sanders is a next to impossible guard for linebackers. After the catch, he runs with power, has surprising elusiveness, and pulls away from defenders with a long stride. As a blocker, he shows excellent hand placement and good fundamentals.

Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) pulls in a reception against TCU Horned Frogs safety Mark Perry

Credit:© Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

While he has the frame to add bulk, Sanders has a lean build that could limit him early in his career. He's simply not strong enough at this stage to hold up consistently as an in-line blocker.

Sanders must run a more varied intermediate route tree to be a viable threat in every situation once in the NFL. He's also had some trouble navigating through traffic over the middle in goal-line situations.
Ja'Tavion Sanders is projected to be an early Day 2 selection and will likely be the second tight end chosen this year.

Next to Georgia's Brock Bowers, Sanders is the most polished receiver at the position in this year's draft. He should be an immediate contributor for the passing game and has the promising upside to be a featured offensive weapon.

Several NFL teams have had their offenses elevated to another level because of a dynamic tight end. New Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has found creative ways to use tight ends in his system. Juwan Johnson could have a big year, but another skilled receiver at the position would be an added bonus.

Sanders could be such a bonus if available when New Orleans makes their second round choice at Number 45 overall.