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Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is the focus of the San Francisco 49ers’ attention in the upcoming NFL draft. While the 49ers have their sights set on winning the Lombardi Trophy, they are also looking to bolster their offense. In the first mock draft from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Sanders is the top pick for San Francisco. Despite the team’s already talented group of weapons, Zierlein believes that Sanders’ unique skill-set would be a valuable addition to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. With his ability to beat man coverage and make tough catches, Sanders would provide a size mismatch for opposing defenses.
Sanders may not be a household name among college football fans, but he has been on the NFL radar since his time in Austin, Texas. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 256 pounds, Sanders possesses an impressive athletic profile that will surely turn heads at the NFL combine. While drafting a tight end early raises questions about the future of George Kittle, Zierlein suggests that Sanders could complement Kittle’s skill set rather than replace him. Kittle is known for his exceptional blocking abilities, which are just as important as his receiving skills. Sanders, on the other hand, is more of a project but has the potential to contribute alongside Kittle.
Originally from Denton, Texas, Sanders joined Texas’ 2021 recruiting class. In his freshman year, he primarily played on special teams rather than on offense. However, he saw an increased role in 2022 and made the most of it. Sanders played in all 13 of Texas’ games, recording 54 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. His size and speed made him a difficult matchup for opposing safeties and linebackers, and he seemed poised for an even better season in 2023.
Unfortunately, Sanders’ 2023 season didn’t show significant improvement. He played in all 14 games, catching 45 passes for 682 yards and two touchdowns. Despite the lack of statistical growth, Sanders still exhibited the qualities that NFL teams look for in a tight end.
Zierlein’s draft profile of Sanders highlights his ability to navigate through route traffic and his quick burst and speed after the catch. These attributes align with the expectations of modern tight ends in the NFL.
reporter for Heavy.com. He covers a wide range of sports topics, including the San Francisco 49ers. In a recent article, Reier discussed the possibility of the 49ers drafting Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
According to Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson, the 49ers could potentially select McConkey in the first round of the draft. McConkey is known for his skills as a receiver, but he also brings a unique versatility to the field. He is considered a “hybrid” player, similar to former 49ers player Emmanuel Sanders.
Hodgkinson’s mock draft suggests that the 49ers’ interest in McConkey is not necessarily to replace any current wide receivers, such as Brandon Aiyuk, but rather to add another dimension to their offense. By diversifying their options, the 49ers hope to create a more dynamic and unpredictable attack.
During his time at Georgia, McConkey proved himself to be a valuable asset on the field. He accumulated an impressive 1687 receiving yards and scored a total of 18 touchdowns in three seasons. Additionally, McConkey has the experience of winning two College Football Playoff championships, which speaks to his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to a winning team.
As the 49ers consider their options in the upcoming draft, McConkey stands out as a potential addition to their roster. His combination of receiving skills and versatility could bring a new level of excitement to the San Francisco offense.