Ja’Tavion Sanders was not expected to be selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he was, and the Carolina Panthers not only acquired a player selected in the second round, but also a player who is expected to be a major playmaker for Bryce Young. Sanders’ ability to turn a catch into a big gain and his college production made him a third-best tight end at worst. He set the record for the most receptions by a tight end at Texas, and he basically functions as a wide receiver in a tight end’s body. The Panthers already have Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble to work the in-line snaps, so Sanders can be an effective “move” tight end.which means Panthers head coach Dave Canales will be able to move him around the offensive formation in order to create the best mismatches for the Panthers.
Speaking of Canales and Sanders’ YAC prowess, Canales is a master at opening doors for cunning people and allowing them to operate in space. It’s simple to understand why Sanders can end up being such a huge asset for Young and the Panthers offence when you combine that with his ability to take advantage of seams and box players out of the game.
The fact that Sanders hasn’t yet reached his ceiling is the nicest aspect of it all. He still has room to grow in both run blocking and overall route running. He might become a top-10, even top-5 tight end in the NFL if he manages to hone those traits to the best of his abilities. It will take work, though.
Even after trading back into Round 1 to select wide receiver Xavier Legette, the Panthers’ Sanders selection may end up being among their top selections of this draft class in terms of pick, fit, and circumstance.
It’s evidence of the work Dan Morgan and his team have been doing lately, and it should assist the Panthers in continuing to lay the groundwork required to get the team back on the winning path.
