2025 NFL Scouting Report: T.J. Sanders

T.J. Sanders, 6-4/297
Defensive Tackle
South Carolina

T.J. Sanders Scouting Report

By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Interior pass rush ability
Speed to collapse the pocket
Quick to close
Very dangerous when he gets on guard’s edges
Good length
Stout at the point of attack
Quality run defender
Can hold his gap against downhill runs
Strong to shed blocks
Good hand usage
Impressive vision

Weaknesses:

Needs more variety in pass rushing moves
Small, undersized
Durability
Limited to slot

Prospect Summary:

In 2024, the South Carolina Gamecocks fielded one of the best defensive lines in college football, and Sanders was the impact lineman on the inside. Sanders was a steady contributor at the point of attack with 50 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, four sacks, and one pass batted. He was consistent with his junior production as well when he totaled 43 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and four passes broken up.

As a pro starter, Sanders is a versatile and well-balanced defender at the point of attack. He has the speed to get upfield and put heat on the quarterback. Sanders is strong at shedding blocks using his active hands and length. When Sanders gets on the edge of a guard, they are in real trouble as he has a burst to close and collapse the pocket quickly. For the NFL, he will need to improve on his variety of pass-rushing moves.

In the ground game, Sanders is generally stout at the point of attack. He shows the length and strength in his base to stonewall downhill runs coming straight at him. With nice vision, Sanders will work off blocks and pursue out of his gap to get in on tackles. He can get pushed back when he stands up too high, so playing with proper leverage all of the time will be important.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders looks like a second- or third-round pick. He could be a quality starting tackle in the NFL with the ability to play three technique or nose tackle.