2025 NFL Draft Player Analysis: T.J. Sanders

T.J. Sanders NFL Draft Profile: A Dynamic Defensive Prospect for the Chicago Bears?

Diving into the profile of South Carolina’s defensive tackle T.J. Sanders. Let’s break down his background, strengths, weaknesses, potential fit with the Chicago Bears, and what his NFL comparison looks like.

T.J. Sanders – The Basics

• College: South Carolina
• Position: Defensive Tackle (DT)
• Ideal NFL Position: Even Front 3T, with potential to serve as Odd Front DE
• Height / Weight: 6’4″, 284 pounds
• Arm Length / Hand Size: 33.625″ / 10.25″
• Year / Age: RS Junior, 21 (turns 22 in July)
• Draft Projection: Late 1st / Early 2nd Round
• Where I’d Take Him: Top 60 picks

Background Check: From High School to the Gamecocks

T.J. Sanders, hailing from Marion, South Carolina, was a three-star recruit and ranked the 75th-best defensive lineman nationally out of high school. With offers from Power 5 schools like Duke, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Indiana, Sanders ultimately chose South Carolina.

During his time with the Gamecocks, Sanders has proven himself as a starter, participating in 16 of his 39 career games. In 2024, he played over 400 snaps in each of his last two seasons and ranked second among South Carolina defensive tackles with 468 snaps. As for his pass-rushing capabilities, Sanders recorded 33 pressures and five sacks on 255 pass-rush snaps in 2024, showcasing his ability to make an impact.

Strengths:

• Athleticism and Physical Traits: Sanders is a fluid athlete with quick feet and an explosive upper body. His lateral movement is a standout feature when he’s at his best.
• Length: At 6’4″, Sanders knows how to use his length to overpower blockers and shed them with ease.
• Relentless Hands: His fast hands—constantly popping, swimming, and tossing blockers—demonstrate a growing knowledge of how to execute a pass-rush plan.
• Contact Balance: Sanders shows excellent body control and balance, allowing him to slip through blockers with ease.
• Bend: His flexibility allows him to absorb power from awkward positions without losing his base or compromising leverage.

Weaknesses:

• Lateral Footwork: When Sanders moves horizontally, his footwork can look inefficient, affecting his ability to hold his ground on stunts.
• Pad Level: His upright posture limits his initial quickness and bull-rush ability. While many expect Sanders to test well athletically, his tape only shows an average burst.
• Size and Power Profile: At 284 pounds, Sanders is a bit light for a traditional 3-technique role in the NFL, often preferring to maneuver around blockers rather than pushing through them.
• Hesitation: Having only played football since his junior year of high school, Sanders occasionally shows hesitation in his play. The question remains: will he become more decisive with experience?
• Conditioning: Sanders has shown signs of fatigue in the later stages of games, even though he ranked 145th in snaps played among FBS defensive tackles. His early-game impact is notable, but consistency may be a concern.

Fit with the Chicago Bears:

T.J. Sanders is a dynamic and promising defensive tackle, projected to go early in the draft. His skill set could make him a strong fit for an even-front 3-technique role or potentially as a defensive end in an odd front. Sanders has displayed an impressive pass-rushing ability in college, leveraging his athleticism and hand usage to disrupt opposing offenses.

However, there are areas where Sanders needs improvement. His lateral footwork and upright posture could limit his effectiveness at the next level, and his size might restrict his versatility in certain defensive schemes. Despite these challenges, Sanders should be a capable rotational player for a defensive line, especially in a pass-rushing role.

Sanders has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL, but he’ll need to become more consistent with his burst and decision-making. If he can refine his technique and add more bulk, he could develop into a key contributor on a defensive line.

As for the Bears, Sanders could be a strong option at picks 39 or 41 in the draft. However, the team may prioritize other defensive tackles who offer more power and strength upfront, as the Bears’ defensive line could use some added muscle to complement their existing depth. Sanders could be a solid replacement for recently departed DeMarcus Walker and would fit well into Chicago’s defensive philosophy, provided he continues to develop and adjust his playstyle at the NFL level.

That’s the latest on T.J. Sanders as the draft approaches! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our coverage of top prospects.